Sign Construction with Sectional Sign Assemblies and Installation Kit and Method of Using Same

ABSTRACT

An electronic sign constructed from a kit for converting a static sign into a dynamic electronic sign comprises a plurality of display modules; a plurality of sign sections each having a front-facing portion and a rear-facing portion, the front facing portion defining a two dimensional array of bays arranged in a plurality of rows along a vertical direction and a plurality of columns along a horizontal direction, each bay configured to receive one of the display modules, the rear-facing portion for coupling to an anchored signage mounting structure; and a plurality of power routing systems, each power routing system having a power input for coupling to a power source and a plurality of power extensions, each power extension for coupling the power source to one of the plurality of display modules.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional utility patent application claimingpriority to U.S. patent Ser. No. 14/726,825, filed on Jun. 1, 2015,which is a divisional utility patent application of U.S. patent Ser. No.14/242,654, filed on Apr. 1, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,047,791, issuedon Jun. 2, 2015, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/214,778, entitled “Sectional Sign Assembly andInstallation Kit and Method of Using Same”, by David Franklin Cox, etal. filed on Mar. 15, 2014, as a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/075,308, entitled Modular Installation andConversion Kit for Electronic Sign Structure and Method of Using Same”,by David Franklin Cox, et al. filed on Nov. 8, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No.8,824,125, which is a continuation-in-part patent application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/056,017 entitled, “Modular Wire HarnessArrangements and Methods of Using Same for Backside to Frontside Powerand Data Distribution Safety Schemes”, by Ame E. Carlson. et al. filedon Oct. 17, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,824,124, which is acontinuation-in-part patent application of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/044,620 entitled; “Compound Structural Frame and Method of UsingSame for Efficient Retrofitting”, by David Franklin Cox; et al. filed onOct. 2, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,929,083, which is acontinuation-in-part patent application of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/844,832, entitled, “In Field Kit for Converting a Non ElectronicBillboard into an Electronic Billboard, and Methods of Retrofitting andUsing Same”, by David Franklin Cox, et al. filed on Mar. 16, 2013, nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,330,583, which applications are each incorporated hereinas though fully set forth.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to roadside and building signage, andmore particularly to a retrofit kit for in field use to convert a staticbillboard into a dynamic electronic sign for roadside or buildingsignage use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Retrofitting non-digital billboards have proven to be expensive, timeconsuming and labor intensive. Moreover, simply removing an oldernon-digital billboard and replacing it with a new digital billboard hasnot proven entirely satisfactory since older installed, non-digital,billboard panels represent substantial capital outlays making itfinancially difficult, if not impossible, to discard such panelsarbitrarily for replacement with digital panels. Therefore, it would behighly desirable to have a new and improved billboard retrofit kit thatcan be easily and quickly installed on any structural surface, such asan existing billboard, without the need to replace or discard existingmedia mounting panels. The new and improved billboard retrofit kitshould greatly improve displayed information, displaying suchadvertising information, with improved resolution, contrast andbrightness characteristics. Moreover, the retrofit kit should enable thedisplayed content to be easily and quickly changed or updated, eitheron-site or remotely, at a lesser cost than updating the content of anolder billboard. Finally, installation of the kit in the field on anexisting billboard structure should not require any special installationequipment and should be able to be accomplished by one or twoindividuals in a fast and convenient manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Throughout this specification the word “comprising”, or variations suchas “comprise”, or “comprises”, will be understood to imply the inclusionof a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers orsteps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, orgroup of elements, integers, or steps.

In a first aspect, the present invention is a universal display modulefor a build-in-place billboard sign whereby the display module ismountable into any one of an array of structural bay members, each baymember including a plurality of latches and a single structural bayconnector, the display module comprising: a generally rectangularlyshaped display frame having a frontside and a backside and defininglateral and mutually perpendicular X and Y axes when viewed from thefrontside or backside of the display frame and a Z-axis that isperpendicular to the lateral axes, the backside of the frame including aplurality of latch receivers each configured to receive an individualone of the plurality of latches in a direction perpendicular to theZ-axis, the backside of the display frame including a module connectorconfigured to couple to the structural bay connector, and at least oneLED board coupled to the frontside of the frame to emit light along theZ-axis when the display module is properly installed in the bay.

In one embodiment, the at least one LED board includes two LED boardsdisposed in a side-by-side arrangement along the X-axis.

In another embodiment, the display module further comprises a driverboard mounted to the backside of the display frame and electricallycoupled to the module connector and to the at least one LED board.

In a still further embodiment, the display module further comprises aheat sink coupled to the driver board and including cooling finsextending parallel to the Z-axis.

In yet another embodiment, the backside of the display frame includes aplurality of perforated channels and wherein a potting compound fills aportion of a space between the LED board and the frame and interlockswith at least a portion of the perforated channels.

In still yet another embodiment, one of the latch receivers isconfigured to receive a latch in a direction parallel to the X-axis andanother of the latch receivers is configured to receive a latch in adirection parallel to the Y-axis.

In a still further yet another embodiment, the X-axis is the major axis,the Y-axis is the intermediate axis, and the Z-axis is the minor axis.

In still yet another embodiment an access hole formed into the modulealong the Z-axis is adjacent to each of the latch receivers providingaccess for a tool that is utilized to actuate each bay latch.

According to a second aspect, the present invention is an electronicdisplay or billboard comprising: a plurality of hand mountablestructural frames arranged on a set of poster panels or boards of anexisting in field non electronic static billboard; the structural framesbeing laid out on the poster boards as an array of frames, individualones of the structural frames being configured in a further array ofstructural bays that help facilitate power and data wire routing;individual ones of the structural bays configured in pairs for acceptingcorresponding pairs of display panels that facilitate the display ofdynamic visible radiant energy; a power and data harness is electricallyand mechanically coupled between individual ones of the structural baysand a utility power data controller box receives data displayinformation and universal electrical power and then rectifies theelectrical power and controls the data display information fordistribution to the individual ones of the display panels, and eachindividual display panel having a plurality of light emitting diodes tofacilitate the conversion of the distributed data display informationinto visible radiant energy for display by the electronic billboard.

According to a third aspect, the present invention is a method ofmanufacturing a digital sign or display in place upon an existingbillboard panel, the existing billboard panel having a panel frontsidefor viewing and a panel backside, the manufacturing method generallycomprising the steps of: aligning and affixing an array of handmountable structural frames across the panel frontside, each handmountable structural frame having a frame frontside and a framebackside, each frame backside facing the panel frontside, the frontsideof the frames collectively defining an array of structural bays; routinga power and data system from the panel backside to the panel frontsideand to each bay of the array of bays whereby the power and data systemdisposes at least one connector providing data and power connectionsinto each bay; and coupling a display module to each of the baysincluding, for each module and bay (1) electrically coupling the atleast one connector to the module, (2) positioning each module upon thebay, and (3) securing the display module to the bay.

In one embodiment of the third aspect, the existing billboard panel is astructural back panel selected from a group of back panel materialsconsisting of steel, wood, structural foam, alloy metals, and plasticcompositions.

In another embodiment of the third aspect, the step of aligning andaffixing the hand mountable structural frames includes: abutting theframes wherein the abutment of frames provides a relative alignmentbetween the frames.

In yet another embodiment of the third aspect, each of the handmountable structural frames have mounting bosses as drill guides andwherein the method further includes the steps of drilling through theexisting panel using the mounting bosses; and bolting the structuralframes to the existing panel.

In still yet another embodiment of the third aspect, the method ofmanufacturing a digital sign further comprising: mounting at least oneutility box to the backside of the existing billboard panels wherein theat least one utility box provides at least power to the routed power anddata system.

In yet another embodiment of the third aspect, the step of routing thepower and data system includes routing and coupling a plurality of powerand data harnesses from the utility box to at least some of thestructural bays.

In yet another embodiment of the third aspect, the frontside of eachstructural frame defines a plurality of bays each structural bay beingconfigured to receive one of the display modules.

In another embodiment of the third aspect, the frame backsidegeometrically cooperates with the panel frontside to define a verticalcooling conduit therebetween, each structural frame includes an openingthat couples the bay to the cooling conduit, each module includes a setof cooling fins whereby positioning the module upon the bay positionsthe set of cooling fins in the cooling conduit.

In yet another embodiment of the third aspect, each bay includes aplurality of bay latching features, each display module includes acorresponding plurality of module latching features and alignmentfeatures which facilitate the alignment and securing of the displaymodule within an associated structural bay; the bay latching featuresengaging with the module latching features.

According to an fourth aspect, the present invention is a sign that hasbeen manufactured in place upon an existing panel, the existing panelhaving a panel frontside for viewing and a panel backside, the signcomprising: at least one utility box mounted to the panel backside; anarray of structural frames, each structural frame having a framebackside mounted against the panel frontside and a frame frontsidedefining at least one bay whereby the array of structural frames definesan array of bays, each bay including a bay alignment feature; a powerand data system routing power and data from the at least one utilitybox, through an opening in the panel that passes from the panel backsideto the panel frontside, and distributing the power and data to at leastone bay connector in each of the array of bays; and a display moduledisposed upon each of the bays, each display module including: a moduleconnector that is coupled to the at least one bay connector; and amodule alignment feature engaged with the bay alignment feature toproperly position the display module.

In one embodiment of the fourth aspect, the sign utility box isconfigured to rectify a universal line voltage to a DC voltage such thatthe power and data system routes DC voltage to each of the bays.

In another embodiment of the fourth aspect, each frame frontside definesa plurality of bays upon which is disposed one of the modules.

In yet another embodiment of the fourth aspect, the at least one channelis defined in each frame backside whereby the frame backside cooperateswith the panel frontside to define a cooling channel, each bay includesan opening that connects the bay to the cooling channel, each moduleincludes a backside with cooling fins that extend through the openingand into the cooling channel.

In still yet another embodiment of the fourth aspect, the display moduleis completely weatherized.

In yet another embodiment of the fourth aspect, the structural framearray is bolt mounted to the plurality of poster panels to resistsubstantial wind load forces defined within commercial building codesignage standards.

In another embodiment of the fourth aspect, each individual structuralframe is composed of a structural foam material.

According to an fifth aspect, the present invention is a support forplural display modules, comprising: a compound structural frame having afront surface for defining a plurality of structural bay members forreceiving and supporting therein the plural display modules and a backsurface for interfacing with a planar billboard front surface and fordefining a plurality of open channel features extending longitudinallyfrom a top surface of the frame to a bottom surface of the frame, theplurality of open channel features cooperating with the planar billboardfront surface to facilitate the formation of a plurality of air flowpaths for cooling the plural display modules when the back surface ismounted in a face to face relationship with the planar billboard frontsurface and the plural display modules are received and supported withincorresponding ones of the plurality of structural bay members; andwherein the front surface is provided with plural passageway openings influid communication with the plurality of open channels to facilitatecooling the plural display modules when they are supported withincorresponding ones of the plurality of structural bay members.

In one embodiment of the fifth aspect of the present invention, eachindividual one of the plurality of structural bay members and eachindividual one of the plural display modules are provided withcomplementary alignment features for facilitating the frontside slidablemounting of individual ones of the plural display modules intoindividual ones of the plurality of structural bay members; and whereineach individual one of the plurality of structural bay members includesa set of structural bay upstanding alignment posts dimensioned toslidingly receive thereon a rear side set of display module alignmentreceptacles to help facilitate the frontside slidable mounting ofindividual ones of the plural display modules into individual ones ofthe plurality of structural bay members so that the plural displaymodules are arranged in an array having a substantially planar frontface configuration for helping to distribute and resist wind load forcesdirected against the support.

In another embodiment of the fifth aspect of the present invention eachindividual one of the plurality of structural bay members and eachindividual one of the plural display modules are further provided withcomplementary latching features for removably latching individual onesof the plural display modules into individual ones of the plurality ofstructural bay members; and wherein each individual one of the pluralityof structural bay members includes a plurality of frame latch assemblyunits oriented either in a lateral direction or a vertical directionrelative to the compound structural frame to latchingly engageindividual ones of the plural display modules in multi-latchingdirections so that individual one of the plural display modules aresecured and protected against wind load forces in excess of 100 poundsper square foot and degradation from the effects of ultra-violetsunlight.

In yet another embodiment of the fifth aspect of the present inventionthe compound structural frame is further provided with a plurality ofinterconnecting reference features, the plurality of interconnectingreference features including: a first set of tabs disposed on thecompound structural frame; a first set of slots disposed on the compoundstructural frame; the first set of tabs and the first set of slots incombination defining a plurality of top to bottom dovetail joints tofacilitate interconnecting pairs of compound structural frames in flushtop surface to flush bottom surface alignment along a longitudinal axisof the planar billboard front surface; a second set of tabs disposed onthe compound structural frame; a second set of slots disposed on thecompound structural frame; the second set of tabs and the second set ofslots defining a plurality of side to side dovetail joints to facilitateinterconnecting pairs of compound structural frames in flush right sidesurface to flush left side surface alignment along a lateral axis of theplanar billboard front surface; and wherein pairs of compound structuralframes are interconnectable in an array of the plural display modulesfor providing a billboard display.

In still yet another embodiment of the fifth aspect of the presentinvention the compound structural frame is provided with plural verticalaxis mounting holes and plural lateral axis mounting holes, the pluralvertical axis mounting holes and the plural axis mounting holes beingdistributed in plural mounting hole locations throughout the compoundstructural frame and each being dimensioned for receiving therein amounting screw to facilitate securing the structural frame to the planarbillboard front surface so that a sufficient mounting force may beapplied to the compound structural frame to substantially eliminate faceto face separation of the compound structural frame and the planarbillboard front surface in wind load forces in excess of 100 pounds persquare foot.

According to an sixth aspect, the present invention is a support forplural display modules, comprising: a compound structural frame memberhaving a sufficient number of frame cutout areas to minimize frameweight to no greater than fifty pounds for hand lifting and mounting toa planar billboard surface, but not such a sufficient number of framecutout areas to compromise the structural integrity of the frame memberfor resisting wind load forces in excess of 100 pounds per square footwhen mounted to the planar billboard surface while supporting the pluraldisplay modules; and wherein the compound structural frame member iscomposed of structural foam to help minimize frame weight for handlifting and mounting of the compound structural frame member to theplanar billboard surface by one person without the use of a mechanicalframe lifting device.

In one embodiment of the sixth aspect of the present invention thecompound structural frame member includes a front portion having alocating feature, the locating feature providing a visual indication oftop and bottom mounting orientation of the compound structural frame andfurther providing a visual indication for drilling a power pilot holeand a data pilot hole in the planar billboard front surface tofacilitate the routing of preformed power and data wiring harnesseswithin the compound structural frame member.

In another embodiment of the sixth aspect of the present invention thefront portion defines a plurality of structural bay members forreceiving and supporting therein the plural display modules; and whereineach individual one of the plurality of structural bay members isprovided with a plurality of wire routing features to further facilitatethe routing of the preformed power wiring harnesses within the compoundstructural frame member for providing the plural display modules withelectrically power.

In yet another embodiment of the sixth aspect of the present inventionthe compound structural frame member further includes a back portionconfigured to interface in a face to face relationship with the planarbillboard surface and to be mounted thereto with a sufficient mountingforce to substantially eliminate face to face separation in wind loadforces in excess of 100 pounds per square foot; and wherein theplurality of structural bay members are arranged in rows and columns,the rows being defined by a plurality of front face surface lateral ribsbounding the frame cutout areas and a centrally disposed longitudinalrib bounding columns of structural bay members, the lateral andlongitudinal ribs functioning as visual cutting line guides enabling thecompound structural frame to be cut to a customized size ranging from amaximum full frame size for supporting and receiving the plural displaymodules to a minimum structural bay member size for supporting andreceiving an individual one of the plural display modules.

According to a seventh aspect, the present invention is a support forplural display modules, comprising: a compound structural frame having aback surface, a front surface, and plural peripheral edges coupling theback surface and the front surface for defining a plurality ofstructural bay members for receiving and supporting therein the pluraldisplay modules; wherein the back surface is provided with a pluralityof mounting features to facilitate coupling the back surface in a faceto face relationship with a planar billboard surface; wherein the frontsurface is provided with another plurality of mounting features tofacilitate mechanically and electrically coupling the plural displaymodules in the plurality of structural bay members to provide abillboard display coupled to the planar billboard surface; and whereinthe plural peripheral edges are provided with complementaryinterconnecting features to facilitate interconnecting the compoundstructural frame with another compound structural frame to form anarray.

According to one embodiment of the seventh aspect of the presentinvention the plurality of mounting features includes a plurality ofopen channel features extending along the entire longitudinal length ofthe frame member, wherein the plurality of open channel featurescooperate with the planar billboard front-face surface to facilitate theformation of a plurality of air flow paths for cooling of the pluraldisplay modules when the back surface of the compound structural frameis mounted in a face to face relationship with the planar billboardfront-face surface.

According to another embodiment of the seventh aspect of the presentinvention each individual one of the plurality of structural bay membershas a sufficient number of cutout areas to provide a frame weight forhand lifting and mounting to the planar billboard front-face surface bya single person without the use of lifting equipment, but not such asufficient number of cutout areas to compromise the structural integrityof the compound structural frame for resisting wind load forces inexcess of 100 pounds per square foot when mounted to the planarbillboard front-face surface while supporting the plural display.

According to yet another embodiment of the seventh aspect of the presentinvention the compound structural frame is composed of structural foamto help minimize frame weight for hand lifting and mounting of thecompound structural frame to the planar billboard front-face surface byone person without the use of a mechanical frame lifting device and tofacilitate the formation of the plurality of mounting features and theanother plurality of mounting features.

According to still yet another embodiment of the seventh aspect of thepresent invention the plurality of mounting features includes aplurality of open channel features extending along the entirelongitudinal length of the frame member, wherein the plurality of openchannel features cooperate with the planar billboard front-face surfaceto facilitate the formation of a plurality of air flow paths for coolingof the plural display modules.

According to yet another embodiment of the seventh aspect of the presentinvention each individual structural bay member includes an openingdimensioned to receive therein a set of cooling fins extending from anindividual one of the plural display modules; and wherein the opening isin physical communication with an individual one of the plurality of airflow paths to facilitate air flow bathing of the set of cooling fins fordisplay module cooling purposes.

According to another embodiment of the seventh aspect of the presentinvention, the plurality of structural bay members are arranged in anarray.

According to one embodiment of the seventh aspect of the presentinvention, the array of structural bay members is arranged in a five bayhigh by two bay wide configuration.

According to another embodiment of the seventh aspect of the presentinvention, the array of structural bay members are further defined byvisual separation features to facilitate scaling the array of structuralbay members into smaller array configurations, wherein the smallestarray is a one bay high by one bay wide configuration.

According to yet another embodiment of the seventh aspect of the presentinvention, each individual one of the plurality of structural baymembers includes a snap-in node receptacle feature and at least one wirerouting protuberance-like feature for receiving and routing preformedpower wiring harnesses to help facilitate providing electrical power tothe plural display modules.

According to still yet another embodiment of the seventh aspect of thepresent invention each individual one of the plurality of structural baymembers and each individual one of the plural display modules areprovided with complementary alignment and latching features; and whereineach individual one of the plurality of structural bay members includesa set of structural bay upstanding alignment posts dimensioned toslidingly receive thereon a rear side set of display module alignmentreceptacles to help facilitate the frontside slidable mounting ofindividual ones of the plural display modules into individual ones ofthe plurality of structural bay members so that the plural displaymodules are arranged in an array having a substantially planar frontface configuration for helping to distribute and resist wind load forcesdirected against the support.

According to an eighth aspect, the present invention is a billboard signhaving plural display modules mechanically coupled to a planar mountingstructure, comprising: a plurality of compound structural frame membersmounted to a front face area of the planar mounting structure andarranged in an frame array; at least one low voltage junction boxmounted to a back face area of the planar mounting structure forfacilitating the distribution of a source of low voltage constantcurrent power to the plural display modules; at least one preformedharness electrically and mechanically coupled between the at least onejunction box and the plural display modules; the at least one preformedwiring harness extending from the source of low voltage constant currentpower through the planar mounting structure and an individual one of theplurality of compound structural frame members and being mechanicallycoupled to a bay array of structural bay members defined by anindividual one of the plurality of compound structural frame members andfurther being mechanically and electrically coupled to the pluraldisplay modules so that individual ones of the plural display modulescan be mechanically and electrically disconnected from the billboardsign without shutting down power for the billboard sign.

In one embodiment of the eight aspect of the present invention eachindividual one of the plurality of compound structural frame members isprovided with a pilot hole feature, the pilot hole feature beingdisposed in a bottom row of the individual one of the plurality ofcompound structural frame members for providing a visual indication ofthe front and bottom orientation of the individual structural framemembers for frame mounting purposes; and wherein the pilot hole featurefurther providing another visual indication of a frame array access holelocation to facilitate determining a back face mounting location of theat least one junction box to effect efficient harness routing of the atleast one power harnesses from the back face area to the front face areafor providing power to the plural display modules.

In another embodiment of the eighth aspect of the present invention eachindividual one of the plurality of compound structural frame members isprovided with a plurality of receptacles; and wherein individual ones ofthe receptacles are disposed in individual ones of the structural baymembers to facilitate coupling low voltage power to individual ones ofthe plural display modules.

In yet another embodiment of the eighth aspect of the present inventionthe at least one preformed power harness includes a junction boxmounting end for mechanically and electrically coupling to the lowvoltage junction box and a plurality of power node mounting ends, eachindividual power node mounting end being dimensioned to mechanicallyengage an individual one of the receptacles; and wherein each individualpower node mounting end including a connector power cord extension forelectrically and mechanically coupling the low voltage constant currentpower source to individual ones of the plural display modules.

In still yet another embodiment of the eighth aspect of the presentinvention each individual one of the plurality of structural framemembers is provided with pairs of harness pass-through openings tofacilitate routing of the preformed harness between two adjacentstructural frame members.

In yet another embodiment of the eighth aspect of the present inventioneach individual one of the structural bay members in the bay array isprovided with a plurality of receptacles to facilitate mechanically andelectrically coupling the at least one preformed wiring harness to theplural display modules.

In another embodiment of the eighth aspect of the present invention atleast one preformed harness is provided with a plurality of preformednodes, each individual one of the plurality of preformed nodes isdimensioned to be pressed or snapped into position in a correspondingwire harness node receptacle forming part of the plurality ofreceptacles for mechanically securing the at least one preformed wiringharness within the structural frame and for electrically coupling theplural display modules to the source of low voltage constant currentpower.

In one embodiment of the eighth aspect of the present invention thebillboard sign further comprises a utility power data controller boxmounted to another back face area of the planar mounting structure tofacilitate receiving electronic data and a universal source ofelectrical energy and for rectifying the universal source of universalpower into a source of low voltage constant current power and forcontrolling data distribution to the plural display modules.

In another embodiment of the eighth aspect of the present invention thebillboard sign further comprises at least one preformed data harness forcoupling data from the utility power data controller box to the pluraldisplay modules.

In yet another embodiment of the eighth aspect of the present invention,each individual one of the plurality of structural frame members isprovided with a plurality of data routing features to facilitate routingthe at least one preformed data harness within an individual one of theplurality of structural frame members.

In still yet another embodiment of the eighth aspect of the presentinvention, each individual one of the plurality of structural framemembers is provided with a plurality of cut out areas to facilitatein-field hand wire routing of the at least one preformed data harnesswith an individual one of the plurality of structural frame members.

In yet another embodiment of the eighth aspect of the present invention,each individual one of the plural display modules is weatherized and isdimensioned to be received in an individual structural bay member toform with each adjacent display module a protective cover for the atleast one preformed harness and the at least one preformed data harness.

According to a ninth aspect, the present invention is a billboard signhaving plural display modules mechanically coupled to a planar mountingstructure, comprising: a low voltage junction box mounted to a backsideof the planar mounting structure for facilitating the distribution of alow voltage constant current power source to the plural display modules;at least one structural frame member for mechanically coupling theplural display modules to a frontside of the planar mounting structure,the frame member defining an array of display module receiving baysarranged in rows and columns; each individual display module receivingbay including a receptacle feature to facilitate mechanically andelectrically coupling the low voltage constant current power source toan individual one of the plural display modules; and at least onepreformed power harness having a junction box mounting end formechanically and electrically coupling to the low voltage junction boxand plural power node mounting ends, each individual power node mountingend being configured to be received and secured into an individual nodereceptacle feature and including an electrical cord extension andconnector for electrically coupling the low voltage constant currentpower source to an individual one of the plural display modules.

In one embodiment of the ninth aspect of the present invention, eachdisplay module receiving bay includes a complementary alignment featurefor front loading an individual one of the plural display modules insufficiently close proximity to the electrical cord extension andconnector to electrically and mechanically couple the individual one ofthe plural display modules to the at least one preformed power harness.

According to a tenth aspect, the present invention is a large formatbillboard type electronic sign having an anchored planar mountingstructure, the sign comprising: at least one structural frame membermounted to a front side of the planar mounting structure, the structuralframe defining a plurality of structural bay members configured forreceiving and removably supporting therein a corresponding plurality ofweatherized display modules to conceal and protect at least onepreformed wiring harness from wind load forces in excess of 100 poundsper square foot; wherein each individual one of the plurality ofstructural bay members is provided with a plurality of receptacles tofacilitate mechanically and electrically coupling the at least onepreformed wiring harness to the plurality of weatherized display module;and wherein the at least one preformed wiring harness is provided with aplurality of preformed nodes, each individual one of the plurality ofpreformed nodes is dimensioned to be snapped or pressed into position ina wire harness node receptacle forming part of the plurality ofreceptacles for mechanically securing the at least one preformed wiringharness within the structural frame and for electrically coupling theplurality of weatherized display modules to a source of low voltagepower.

In one embodiment of the tenth aspect of the present invention, eachindividual one of the plurality of preformed nodes includes a powerconnector to mechanically and electrically couple the source of lowvoltage power to an individual weatherized display module.

In another embodiment of the tenth aspect of the present invention, theat least one preformed wiring harness is further provided with aplurality of data connectors, each individual ones of the dataconnectors for interconnecting with a preformed data wiring harness tofacilitate distributing data throughout the structural frame forutilization by each weatherized display module.

In yet another embodiment of the tenth aspect of the present invention,the plurality of receptacles includes a plurality of data connectionwire routing receptacles, including a left side data connection wirerouting receptacle to facilitate anchoring another preformed data wiringharness for interconnection between at least another structural framehaving a right side portion thereof abutting a left side portion of thestructural frame and a right side data connection wire routingreceptacle to facilitate anchoring the preformed data wiring harness forinterconnection between at least yet another structural frame having aleft side portion thereof abutting a right side portion of thestructural frame.

In still yet another embodiment of the tenth aspect of the presentinvention, the plurality of receptacles further includes a central dataconnection wire routing receptacle to facilitate anchoring the preformeddata wiring harness and the another preformed data wiring harness withan individual one of the structural bay members to further facilitatethe distribution of data within the structural frame.

In yet another embodiment of the tenth aspect of the present invention,the at least one structural frame is provided with a pilot hole feature,the pilot hole feature being disposed in a bottom row of the pluralityof structural bay members for providing a visual indication of the frontand bottom orientation of the structural frame for frame mountingpurposes to the anchored planar mounting structure; and wherein thepilot hole feature further providing another visual indication of anaccess hole location to facilitate determining a back face mountinglocation of at least one electrical junction box to effect efficientrouting of the at least one preformed wiring harness from a back facearea of the mounting structure to the front face area of the least onestructural frame.

According to an eleventh aspect, the present invention is a modificationkit for converting an anchored planar mounting structure having afrontside and an opposing backside into a dynamic electronic sign, themodification kit comprising: a plurality of weatherized display modules;a plurality of structural frames for supporting the plurality ofweatherized display modules, each structural frame having a back portionfor mounting to the frontside of the anchored planar mounting structureand a front portion defining a plurality of bay members for receivingcorresponding ones of the plurality of weatherized display modules; andat least one wiring harness including a first end for coupling to apower source mounted on the backside of the anchored planar mountingstructure and a plurality of power extensions for coupling the powersource to the plurality of weatherized display modules.

In one embodiment of the eleventh aspect of the present invention, eachindividual one of the plurality of bays defines a receiving feature forreceiving and aligning a portion of the at least one wiring harnesswithin the bay to facilitate assembly of the at least one wiring harnessto the bay.

In another embodiment of the eleventh aspect of the present invention,the receiving feature is a receptacle, and the at least one wiringharness including a portion to be received into each receptacle.

In yet another embodiment of the eleventh aspect of the presentinvention, the portion to be received into the receptacle is anovermolded node which is configured to be received into the receptacleand retained therein to help facilitate the routing of at least one ofthe plurality of power extensions to an individual one of the pluralityof weatherized display modules.

In still yet another embodiment of the eleventh aspect of the presentinvention, each individual one of the plurality of structural framesincludes pilot features for facilitating the forming of at least onebore through the anchored planar mounting structure to enable routing ofthe at least one wiring harness through the anchored planar mountingstructure for facilitating the coupling of the power source to theplurality of weatherized display modules.

In yet another embodiment of the eleventh aspect of the presentinvention, each individual one of the plurality of structural frames isinterchangeable with any other individual one of the plurality ofstructural frames; and each individual one of the plurality ofstructural frames is provided with a plurality of wind load resistingfeatures to facilitate accommodating installation of the plurality ofinterchangeable structural frames in any wind zone specified for theanchored planar mounting structure.

In another embodiment of the eleventh aspect of the present invention,the plurality of bays are arranged in an array defined by a plurality ofvisual separation features to facilitate separating the array of baymembers into smaller array configurations for customizing a display signarea to comply with the size of the anchored planar mounting structure.

In one embodiment of the eleventh aspect of the present invention, themodification kit further comprises a utility box mountable to theopposing backside of the planar mounting structure for facilitating thecoupling of the power source to the at least one wiring harness and forreceiving electrical energy to be rectified into a low voltage powersource for use by the plurality of weatherized display modules toconvert display data into visible radiant energy for instantaneousdynamic display purposes.

In another embodiment of the eleventh aspect of the present invention,each individual one of the plurality of interchangeable structuralframes, when mounted to the frontside of the anchored planar mountingstructure, defines a set, of cooling conduits; where the set of coolingconduits are in fluid communication with individual ones of theplurality of display modules when mounted in individual ones of theplurality of interchangeable structural frames.

In yet another embodiment of the eleventh aspect of the presentinvention, each individual one of the plurality of interchangeablestructural frames is provided with rows and columns of aligned wirerouting features and node receptacles to help facilitate the routing andsecuring of the at least one wiring harnesses within the frame to enablepower to be distributed throughout the structural frame in a daisy-chainmanner.

In still yet another embodiment of the eleventh aspect of the presentinvention, the node receptacles are arranged in alignment to eliminatethe need for special node to receptacle alignment markings to facilitateinstallation of the plurality of interchangeable preformed wiringharnesses without installation placement errors.

In yet another embodiment of the eleventh aspect of the presentinvention, each individual bay member has integrally formed therein aplurality of different types and kinds of wire harness receptaclesdistributed among a plurality of latching features, where the pluralityof latching features are multi-directional and complementary tocorresponding display module multi-directional latching features to helpfacilitate the mounting of individual ones of the plurality of displaymodules within individual ones of the plurality of bay members with asufficient latching force to resist wind load forces in excess of 100pounds per square foot.

In another embodiment of the eleventh aspect of the present invention,each individual one of the plurality of structural frames has aplurality of cutout areas in a sufficient number to minimize the frameweight of an individual one of the plurality of structural frames to nogreater than 50 pounds, but not such a sufficient number of cutout areasto compromise the structural integrity of the individual structuralframe for resisting wind load forces in excess of 100 pounds per squarefoot when the individual structural frame is mounted to a frontsidesurface of the anchored planar mounting structure.

According to a twelfth aspect, the present invention is a modificationkit for sign conversion, comprising: a plurality of display modules forconverting electrical data into visible radiant energy for display by anelectronic sign; at least one compound structural frame for defining aplurality of structural bay members, each individual one of theplurality of structural bay members being configured for removablyreceiving, supporting and latching therein corresponding ones of theplurality of display modules each being mounted with a sufficientlatching force to withstand a wind load force in excess of 100 poundsper square foot; wherein each individual one of the plurality of baymembers has a sufficient number of cutout areas to provide a frameweight of no greater than 50 pounds for hand lifting and mounting theframe to a planar structure by a single person, but not such asufficient number of cutout areas to compromise the structural integrityof the compound structural frame for resisting wind load forces of up to100 pounds per square foot when mounted to the planar structure whilesupporting the plurality of display modules; and at least one preformedinterchangeable wiring harness having a plurality ofmechanical-electrical nodes for coupling a source of low voltage powerfrom a backside to a frontside of the planar structure and then to theplurality of display modules.

In one embodiment of the twelfth aspect of the present invention, eachindividual one of said plurality of bay members is provided with aplurality of node receptacles for securing therein said plurality ofmechanical-electrical nodes to facilitate coupling the source of lowervoltage power at said frontside of the sign mounting structure to saidplurality of display modules.

In another embodiment of the twelfth aspect of the present invention,the plurality of structural bay members are arranged in an array definedby a plurality of visual separation features to facilitate separatingthe array of structural bay members into smaller array configurationsfor customizing a display sign area to comply with the size of theplanar structural surface.

In yet another embodiment of the twelfth aspect of the presentinvention, the at least one compound structural frame is provided withrows and columns of wire routing features and node receptacles toaccommodate the at least one interchangeable wiring harness and tofacilitate distribution of power and data throughout said at least onecompound structural frame in a daisy-chain manner.

In still yet another embodiment of the twelfth aspect of the presentinvention, the at least one compound structural frame is provided with aplurality of interconnecting reference features, the plurality ofinterconnecting reference features including: a first set of tabsdisposed on the compound structural frame; a first set of slots disposedon the compound structural frame; the first set of tabs and the firstset of slots in combination defining a plurality of top to bottomdovetail joints to facilitate interconnecting pairs of compoundstructural frames in flush top surface to flush bottom surface alignmentalong a longitudinal axis of the planar structural surface; a second setof tabs disposed on the compound structural frame; a second set of slotsdisposed on the compound structural frame; the second set of tabs andthe second set of slots defining a plurality of side to side dovetailjoints to facilitate interconnecting pairs of compound structural framesin flush right side surface to flush left side surface alignment along alateral axis of the planar structural surface; and wherein pairs ofcompound structural frames are interconnectable in an array to supporttherein the plurality of display modules for providing a billboarddisplay sign.

In yet another embodiment of the twelfth aspect of the presentinvention, the at least one compound structural frame is provided withplural vertical axis mounting holes and plural lateral axis mountingholes, the plural vertical axis mounting holes and the plural lateralaxis mounting holes being distributed in plural mounting hole locationsthroughout the at least one compound structural frame and each beingdimensioned for receiving therein a mounting bolt or screw to facilitatesecuring the at least one structural frame to the planar structuralsurface so that a sufficient mounting force may be applied to thecompound structural frame to substantially eliminate face to faceseparation of the compound structural frame and the planar structuralsurface in wind load forces in excess of 100 pounds per square foot.

According to a thirteenth aspect, the present invention is aself-contained in-field retrofit kit for a static billboard coupled to auniversal source of electrical power, the self-contained kit comprising:at least one modular hand mountable compound structural frame formounting to at least one poster panel of a static billboard, the atleast one modular compound structural frame and the at least one posterpanel cooperating to provide a plurality of self-cooling vents and aplurality of wire routing paths between the at least one modularcompound structural frame and the universal source of electrical power,wherein the at least one modular compound structural frame is providedwith a plurality of receptacle nodes and wire routing guides to receivesubstantially identical power and data wire harnesses for couplingelectrical energy along a plurality of wire routing paths within thecompound structural frame; at least one modular electrical conversiondevice for mounting partially within an individual one of the pluralityof self-cooling vents and partially within the at least one modularcompound structural frame, the at least one modular electricalconversion device for coupling to the universal source of electricalpower via at least an individual one of the plurality of wire routingpaths to transform the universal source of power to a constant powersource; wherein the at least one modular electrical conversion deviceincludes a plurality of electrical elements coupled to the constantpower source and to the data source for converting electrical energyinto visible radiant energy indicative of an electronic message intendedfor public viewing; and wherein the at least one modular electricalconversion device is further for coupling to a data source via the atleast an individual one of the plurality of wire routing paths.

According to a thirteenth aspect, the present invention is amodification kit for converting an existing signage mounting structureto an electronic sign comprising a plurality of weatherized displaymodules; a plurality of sign sections each having a front-facing portionand a rear-facing portion, the front facing portion defining a twodimensional array of bays arranged in a plurality of rows along avertical direction and a plurality of columns along a horizontaldirection, each bay configured to receive one of the display modules,the rear-facing portion for mounting to a surface of the existingsignage mounting structure; and a plurality of wiring assemblies eachhaving a first end for coupling to a power junction located adjacent toa rear surface of one of the rear-facing portions and a plurality ofpower extensions for coupling the power source to the plurality ofweatherized display modules.

According to one embodiment of the thirteenth aspect of the presentinvention the array of bays includes at least 10 rows of bays.

According to another embodiment of the thirteenth aspect of the presentinvention, each rear-facing portion is a mounting structure and eachfront facing portion includes a compound structural frame mounted to themounting structure.

According to yet another embodiment of the thirteenth aspect of thepresent invention the front facing portion includes two adjacentcompound structural frames mounted along the vertical direction.

According to still yet another embodiment of the thirteenth aspect ofthe present invention each sign section defines a plurality of openingsthat each couple one bay to a rear surface of the sign section to enablea weatherized display module to be removed and replaced from a baythrough the opening.

According to yet another embodiment of the thirteenth aspect of thepresent invention each wiring assembly includes a hub mounted to therear-facing portion whereby each extension has one end coupled to thehub and another end disposed within a bay.

According to another embodiment of the thirteenth aspect of the presentinvention each hub is configured to receive AC power from a main powersource, rectifies the AC power, and delivers DC power to the bay.

According to a fourteenth aspect, the present invention is amodification kit for converting an existing signage mounting structureto an electronic sign comprising: a plurality of weatherized displaymodules; a plurality of sign sections each having a front-facing portionand a rear-facing portion, the front facing portion defining a Napdimensional array of bays arranged in a plurality of rows along avertical direction and a plurality of columns along a horizontaldirection, each bay configured to receive one of the display modules,the rear-facing portion for mounting to a surface of the existingsignage mounting structure; and a plurality of power routing systems,each power routing system having a power input for coupling to a powersource and a plurality of power extensions, each power extension forcoupling the power source to one of the plurality of weatherized displaymodules.

According to one embodiment of the fourteenth aspect of the presentinvention, the array of bays is two bays wide and includes at least fiverows of bays.

According to one embodiment of the fourteenth aspect of the presentinvention, the front portion defines two columns of bays.

According to another embodiment of the fourteenth aspect of the presentinvention, each rear-facing portion is a mounting structure and eachfront facing portion includes a compound structural frame mounted to themounting structure.

According to yet another embodiment of the fourteenth aspect of thepresent invention, each front facing portion includes a plurality ofcompound structural frames arranged along the vertical direction andeach defining a portion of the array of bays.

According to a fifteenth aspect, the present invention is a sectionalassembly for converting an existing signage mounting structure to anelectronic sign comprising: a front portion defining a two dimensionalarray of bays that span the height of the electronic sign and a portionof the width of the electronic sign whereby a plurality of sectionalassemblies are required to fully form the electronic sign; a displaymodule installed into each of the array of bays; a wiring system thatdelivers power to each display module of the array of bays, the wiringsystem including a hub and a plurality of individual power extensionsthat are each electrically coupled to the hub have a power delivery endthat is coupled to one of the LED modules; and a rear portion formounting the sectional assembly to a beam surface of the existingmounting structure.

According to one embodiment of the fifteenth aspect of the presentinvention, the array of bays is two bays in width.

According to another embodiment of the fifteenth aspect of the presentinvention, the front portion and the rear portion are integral.

According to yet another embodiment of the fifteenth aspect of thepresent invention, the front portion includes a plurality of compoundstructural frames that are each two bays wide and are mounted adjacentlyand vertically to the rear portion.

According to still yet another embodiment of the fifteenth aspect of thepresent invention, the front portion and the rear portion collectivelydefine a plurality of openings that each couple a rear surface of therear portion to each one of the bays whereby the LED modules installedin the bay can be removed and replaced through the opening therebyenabling rear side servicing of sectional assembly.

According to a sixteenth aspect, the present invention is a signconstruction with a sectional sign assembly modification kit forconverting an existing signage mounting structure to an electronic signcomprising: a plurality of display modules; a plurality of signsections, each having a front-facing portion and a rear facing portion,the front-facing portion defining a two dimensional array of baysarranged a plurality of rows along a vertical direction and a pluralityof columns along a horizontal direction, each bay configured to receiveone of the display modules, the rear-facing portion for mounting to asurface of the existing signage mounting structure; and a plurality ofpower routing systems, each power routing system having a power inputfor coupling to a power source and a plurality of power extensions, eachpower extension for coupling the power input to one of the plurality ofdisplay modules.

According to one embodiment of the sixteenth aspect of the presentinvention the array of bays is two bays wide and includes at least fiverows of bays.

According to another embodiment of the sixteenth aspect of the presentinvention, the array of bays includes at least 10 rows of bays.

According to yet another embodiment of the sixteenth aspect of thepresent invention, each rear-facing portion is a mounting structure andeach front facing portion includes a compound structural frame mountedto the mounting structure.

According to still yet another embodiment of the sixteenth aspect of thepresent invention, the front facing portion includes two adjacentcompound structural frames mounted along the vertical direction.

According to yet another embodiment of the sixteenth aspect of thepresent invention, each sign section defines a plurality of openings,each opening having a sufficient width dimension and a sufficient heightdimension to couple one bay to a rear surface of the sign sectionenabling a display module to be removed and replaced from a bay throughthe opening.

According to another embodiment of the sixteenth aspect of the presentinvention, each power routing system includes a hub mounted to therear-facing portion, and each power extension has one end coupled to thehub and another end disposed within a bay configured to be coupled toone of the display modules.

According to one embodiment of the sixteenth aspect of the presentinvention, each hub is configured to receive AC power from the powersource; rectifies the AC power, and delivers DC power to the bay.

According to another embodiment of the sixteenth aspect of the presentinvention, each power routing system includes a wiring harness; whereinthe power input is an end of the harness that couples to a DC powersource; wherein the wiring harness includes a plurality of nodes; andwherein each power extension extends from an individual one of saidplurality of nodes to a power output end disposed a bay for coupling toone of the display modules.

According to yet another embodiment of the sixteenth aspect of thepresent invention, each individual one of said plurality of displaymodules is a weatherized display module.

According to still yet another embodiment of the sixteenth aspect of thepresent invention, an electronic sign is provided when the modificationkit is installed on an existing signage mounting structure.

According to a seventeenth aspect, the present invention is amodification kit for converting an existing signage mounting structureto an electronic sign comprising: a plurality of display modules; aplurality of sign sections each having a front portion and a rearportion, the front portion defining at least two vertical columns ofbays that span and define a height of the sign, each bay configured toreceive one of the display modules, the rear portion configured to beattached to a beam surface of the existing structure to allow most of arear surface of the rear portion to be exposed for servicing, and aplurality of power routing systems each including at least one nodeassociated with each sign section with a plurality of individual powerextensions each extending from one node to one of the bays.

According to one embodiment of the seventeenth aspect of the presentinvention, the front portion defines two columns of bays.

According to another embodiment of the seventeenth aspect of the presentinvention, each rear-facing portion is a mounting structure and eachfront facing portion includes a compound structural frame mounted to themounting structure.

According to yet another embodiment of the seventeenth aspect of thepresent invention, each front facing portion includes a plurality ofcompound structural frames arranged along the vertical direction andeach defining a portion of the array of bays.

According to still yet another embodiment of the seventeenth aspect ofthe present invention, the front portion and the rear portioncollectively define a plurality of openings that each couple a rearsurface of the rear portion to one of the bays whereby at least some ofthe display modules installed in the array of bays can be removed andreplaced through one of the opening thereby enabling rear sideservicing.

According to yet another embodiment of the seventeenth aspect of thepresent invention, the modification kit further comprises: a pluralityof access doors, wherein each individual access door is configured tocover an individual one of said plurality of openings.

According to another embodiment of the seventeenth aspect of the presentinvention, the modification kit further comprises: a plurality oflatches in each bay configured to affix each display module to anindividual bay in the array of bays, the latches configured to beactuated by a particular tool inserted through either a front portion ofthe display module or the rear portion; and wherein each individualaccess door is configured to be opened using said particular tool.

According to one embodiment of the seventeenth aspect of the presentinvention, each individual one of said plurality of display modules is aweatherized display module.

According to another embodiment of the seventeenth aspect of the presentinvention, an electronic sign is provided when the modification kit isinstalled on an existing signage mounting structure.

According to an eighteenth aspect, the present invention is amodification kit for converting an existing signage mounting structureto an electronic sign comprising: a plurality of display modules; a signsection assembly having a front portion and a rear portion; said frontportion defining a two dimensional array of bays that span the height ofthe electronic sign and a portion of the width of the electronic signwhereby a plurality of sign section, assemblies are required to fullyform the electronic sign; said rear portion configured to be attached toa beam surface of the existing signage mounting structure to allow mostof a rear surface of the rear portion to be exposed for servicingindividual ones of the plurality of display modules; wherein for atleast some of the array of bays each bay defines a passageway opening tothe rear surface to enable a display module removably supported withinthe bay to be removed and replaced through the passageway opening; and aplurality of power routing systems each including at least one nodeassociated with each sign section assembly with a plurality ofindividual power extensions each extending from one node to one of thebays.

According to one embodiment of the eighteenth aspect of the presentinvention, the array of bays is two bays in width.

According to another embodiment of the eighteenth aspect of the presentinvention, the front portion and the rear portion of said sign sectionassembly are integral.

According to yet another embodiment of the eighteenth aspect of thepresent invention, the front portion includes a plurality of compoundstructural frames that are each two bays wide and are mounted adjacentlyand vertically to the rear portion.

According to still yet another embodiment of the eighteenth aspect ofthe present invention, each display module is a weatherized displaymodule.

According to another embodiment of the eighteenth aspect of the presentinvention, an electronic sign is provided when the modification kit isinstalled on an existing signage mounting structure.

According to an nineteenth aspect, the present invention is a method ofsign construction, comprising the steps of: preparing an existingsignage mounting structure according to local signage requirements; andusing a modification kit for converting the existing signage mountingstructure to an electronic sign; said modification kit including: aplurality of display modules; a plurality of sign sections each having afront-facing portion and a rear-facing portion, the front facing portiondefining a two dimensional array of bays arranged in a plurality of rowsalong a vertical direction and a plurality of columns along a horizontaldirection, each bay configured to receive one of the display modules,the rear-facing portion for mounting to a surface of the existingsignage mounting structure; and a plurality of power routing systems,each power routing system having a power input for coupling to a powersource and a plurality of power extensions, each power extension forcoupling the power source to one of the plurality of display modules.

According to one embodiment of the nineteenth aspect of the presentinvention, the plurality of sign sections are supported from the surfaceof the existing signage mounting structure and each bay has removablysupported therein a display module prior to an individual sign sectionbeing supported from the surface of the existing signage mountingsurface.

According to one embodiment of the nineteenth aspect of the presentinvention, each individual display module is a weatherized displaymodule.

From the foregoing, it should be understood by those skilled in the art,that an existing static billboard may be retrofitted or converted into adynamic electronic billboard, in a fast and convenient manner by aninstaller or a team of installers following a few simple and easyretrofitting steps. For example, an installer arrives at an in-the fieldbillboard, performs a quick electrical inspection to (1) determine thatthe existing billboard or signage site is provided with adequate highvoltage alternating current power, (2) next the installer cleans thesignage surface or poster panels of the static billboard of theircurrent and old paper advertising posters; (3) next the installerinspects the poster panels for any uneven or sharp metal protrusions andthen using conventional tools, such as a hammer, the installer removesany uncovered or discovered uneven or sharp metal protrusions from theposter panels since the poster panels should all be substantially flatand uniform for the retrofitting process; (4) the installer thenverifies that all the poster panels are provided with substantially flatmounting surfaces and that all of the poster panels have been cleanedincluding removing any vinyl or paper left over from old static images;(5) the installer then verifies the overall length and width of thebillboard poster panels in order to confirm the mounting surface area iswithin the standard size dimensions for the static billboard to beconverted into a dynamic billboard of a given size; (6) then theinstaller determines whether the input power needs to be converted foruse with the retrofit kit so that an optional power converter may beinstalled if necessary; (7) the installer then turns off the main powerbreaker disconnecting the main power source supplying power to thestatic billboard so the electricity supplied to the billboard site istemporarily shut off; (8) the installer then disconnects all staticbillboard lighting and associated wiring; and (9) then unpacks thevarious modular components of a retrofit kit which is constructed inaccordance with the present invention to determine that all the modularcomponents of the retrofit kit are present and accounted for to completethe conversion.

After completing the above-mentioned verification and preparationprocesses, the installers then simply (10) hand mount a plurality ofhand mountable structural frame units in a frame array on the existingposter panels of the non-electronic billboard; (11) next the team mountsbee stops to the structural frame array to protect the structures frominsect, bee and pest invasions; (12) next, the installer using theresulting node receptacles, cable hooks, conduits paths and wiring pathswere created as the array of structural frames was installed beginsinstalling the various power data wiring harnesses of the kit within thestructural frames; (13) next, the installer makes provision within thestructural frame array for coupling mechanically and electrically theinstalled harnesses from the frontside of the frames to the backside ofthe billboard, making connection to power data controller boxes andpower junction boxes installed by the installer on the backside of thebillboard; (14) next the display modules of the kit are received inalignment features of the structural bays and latched into theirrespective structural bay members; (15) the installer then establishesan electrical path from a high voltage circuit breaker to the nowcompletely new dynamic billboard; and finally (16) the installerdownloads a test message for display on the new dynamic billboard toverify that all its modular components are operating correctly.

Because of the many different types and kinds of roadside and outdoorand indoor building signs which may be converted, the principals thatwill be taught hereinafter will be generally directed to only twobillboard sizes; namely, an 11 by 22 square foot billboard and a 14 by48 square foot billboard comprised of 20 gauge metal poster panels.Nevertheless, there is no intention by this description to limit thescope of the present invention to only these specific sizes andapplications. In this regard, the principles that will be taughthereinafter may be applied to other types and kinds of advertisingdisplays so long as the mounting surface area is at least of a 20 gaugemetal construction or other suitable construction materials such asconcrete, wood and other material of sufficient thickness and strengthto support the frames and within the dimensional limits of theunderlying modular structural frames forming part of the retrofit kitthat will be described. Even so, since the modular structural frames ofthe retrofit kit may be reduced in size, the only limitation thereforeis that the surface area of the existing signage must be sufficient indimension to receive the structural frames and be constructed of atleast 20 gauge metal panel sheets. The kit as described herein isgenerally for utilized by a large format advertising display intendedfor viewing from an extended distance of generally more than 50 feet.However, because of the modular nature of the kit, signage of muchsmaller sizes may also be accommodated by the kit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The above mentioned features and steps of the invention and the mannerof attaining them will become apparent, and the invention itself will bebest understood by reference to the following description of theembodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a digital billboard constructed inaccordance with the present invention through the use of the in-fieldmodification kit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic block diagram of a field modification kit forconverting a non-electronic billboard sign into an electronic billboardsign, wherein the field modification kit is constructed in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front plane view of a non electronic billboard sign beingprovided with chalk marks for a grid layout indicative of the size andpatter of the structural frames being installed on the existing posterpanels; modification kit is constructed in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a greatly enlarged frontside perspective view of a structuralframe forming part of the field modification kit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a greatly enlarged frontside perspective view of the of thestructural frame forming part of the field modification kit of FIG. 2,illustrating some of the modular components forming part of the fieldmodification kit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a greatly enlarged backside perspective view of the structuralframe of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a greatly enlarged backside perspective view of the structuralframe of FIG. 5 illustrating some of the modular components forming partof the field retrofit kit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a frontside perspective view of a display module forming partof the field modification kit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a backside plane view of the display module of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the display module of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a daughter board forming part of thedisplay module of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a bee stop utilized to occlude a wiringaccess opening forming part of the structural frame of FIG. 5;

FIG. 13 is a greatly simplified electrical circuit block diagram of thedisplay module of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a column number arrangementforming part of the power and data distribution system of the in-fieldmodification kit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the steps followed in installing thedisplay modules forming part of the field retrofit kit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 16 is a greatly enlarged front perspective view of a portion of alouver forming part of a display module constructed in accordance withthe present invention, illustrating a pixel arrangement of lightemitting diodes;

FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration of how all the power/data harnesses,all the data jumper cables and all the data connection cables are laidout in the frame array and routed to respective power access holes anddata access holes within the frame array leading to backside billboardjunction boxes;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the steps followed in assembling alight emitting diode display module forming part of the in-fieldmodification kit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the steps followed in using thein-field retrofit kit of FIG. 2 to convert a non-electronic billboardinto an electronic billboard;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the steps followed by an installation team inpreparing an existing billboard for the retrofitting process;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the steps followed by an installation team inpreparing an existing billboard site for installation of the structuralframes;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating the steps followed by aninstallation team for installation of the power and data wire harnessesof FIG. 24C using the in-field modification kit of FIG. 2, to convert astatic sign into a dynamic advertising display;

FIG. 23 is a front plane view of a structural frame forming part of theretrofit kit of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 24A, 24B and 24C are diagrammatic illustrations of various wireharness assemblies forming part of the power data routing system;

FIG. 25 is a front elevational view of the billboard of FIG. 1, with itsdisplay module louvers removed to illustrate the side by siderelationship of the individual display panels forming part of thedisplay module of FIG. 8;

FIG. 26 is a rear elevational view of a billboard of FIG. 1,illustrating component parts of the power data routing system;

FIG. 27 is a front plane view of an array of structural framesillustrating their preparation for installation of the power wireharnesses and data wire harnesses of FIG. 24C;

FIG. 27A is a top plane view of the structural frame of FIG. 23illustrating typical locations for bee stops and air flow channels;

FIG. 28 is a diagrammatic illustration of how the data/power harnesswith over mold nodes are laid out and secured to a structural frame ofthe present invention;

FIG. 29 is a greatly enlarged perspective view of a chimney vent coverforming part of the field modification kit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 30 is a greatly enlarged perspective view of a frame latch assemblyforming part of the field modification kit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 31 is a top plane view of the frontside of a printed circuit boardforming part of the display module of FIG. 8;

FIG. 32 is a top plane view of the backside of a LED frame forming partof the display module of FIG. 8;

FIG. 33 is a top plane view of the frontside of the LED frame of FIG.32;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the LED frame of FIG. 32, illustratinga seating wall adapted to be seated in a structural frame bay member;

FIG. 35 is a front perspective view of a sectional digital billboardconfigured with a plurality of sign section assembly units constructedin accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a schematic view of the rearside power and data powerdistribution arrangement for the digital billboard of FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a diagrammatic illustration of a power/data harnessarrangement for a sign section assembly unit forming part of thesectional digital billboard of FIG. 35;

FIG. 38 is a rear elevational view of another sectional digitalbillboard constructed in accordance with the present invention withoutthe rearside power and data distribution arrangement installed andillustrated with sign section assembly units with rolled sheathing;

FIG. 38A is an enlarged sectional view taken from FIG. 38 along line38A-38A;

FIG. 38B is an enlarged sectional view from FIG. 38 taken along line38B-38BA;

FIG. 39 is a diagrammatic view of a factory workbench assembly jig withan exploded view of component parts of a sign section assembly unit withflat sheathing;

FIG. 40A is a rear elevational view of a sign section assembly formingpart of the sectional digital billboard of FIG. 35;

FIG. 40B is a rear elevational view of a sign section assembly formingpart of the sectional digital billboard of FIG. 41;

FIG. 41 is a rear elevational view of a rear accessible digitalbillboard which is constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 41A is an enlarged cross sectional view of the rear accessibledigital billboard of FIG. 41 taken substantially along section line41A-41A;

FIG. 41C is a schematic view of a portion of the rear-facing signsection assembly of FIG. 40B, illustrating the displacement path of oneof its rear access doors and a sheathing rear access hole;

FIGS. 42, 42A, and 42B are block diagrams of a sectional sign assemblyand installation kit, illustrating its component kit portions includinga factory assembly kit portion and a field modification kit portion,each portion constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 43, 43A-D is a method of retrofitting or assembling an electronicsign or billboard using a factory assembly and field modification kitconstructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a diagrammatic illustration of a data/power harnessarrangement forming part of a sign section assembly unit of FIG. 41;

FIG. 45 is an enlarged front plane view illustrating a portion of a rearaccessible structural frame forming part of the sign section assembly ofFIG. 44;

FIG. 46A-D are diagrammatic illustrations of the sequence followed inremoving a display module through a sign section assembly unit of FIG.41;

FIG. 47A-D are schematic illustrations of different types of signsection assembly units, each being constructed in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 48 is schematic illustration of support structures and pre-wiredsign section assemblies utilized in forming a digital billboard withthree sign section assembly units;

FIG. 49 is a schematic plan view of a direct current/data satellite hubforming part of the digital billboard of FIG. 35, illustrating in partits wiring routing to wire routing features of a compound structuralframe forming part of a sign section assembly disposed therein; and

FIG. 50 is rear elevational view of another sectional digital billboardwith rear accessible display modules, which rear accessible digitalbillboard is also constructed in accordance with the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For reference purposes, whenever the term “frontside” is used it willalways refer to the front viewing side of any element or component partthat will be described hereinafter. Backside always opposes thefrontside for any part or portion being discussed and is the reverse ofthe viewing side. Each surface is defined hereinafter in the followingmanner as a part frontside/backside.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2,there is illustrated a self-contained retrofit kit 10 and a resultingdynamic electronic sign or billboard 110 respectively, which kit 10 andwhich billboard 110 are each constructed in accordance with the presentinvention. The electronic billboard 110, when constructed in accordancewith a novel method of retrofitting or assembling 1010 (FIG. 19) ashereinafter disclosed, is assembled in a fast and convenient mannerwithout the need of special tools or equipment. In short, by use of thein-field retrofit kit 10, a static non-electronic billboard 8, as bestseen in FIG. 3, is transformed or converted into a dynamic electronicbillboard 110 that greatly improves displayed information, such asadvertising information, with improved resolution, contrast, andbrightness characteristics. The simplicity of the various hand mountablecomponent parts of the electronic billboard 110 are such, that a team oftwo people or even a single installer, with a ladder, a drill, a skillsaw, a hammer and a screwdriver are able to quickly and easily convertan existing static (non-electronic) roadside or building billboard 8into a high-tech digital billboard 110 regardless of location. Forexample, the kit 10 may be applied to rooftop signs, inside buildingsigns, hung signs (i.e. hung from the underside of a catwalk), buildingwall mounted signs or pole mounted signs. The simplicity of the designenables a digital billboard 110 constructed in accordance with thepresent invention, to be utilized in a football stadium during thefootball season, and then if desired, disassembled and moved to abaseball stadium and re-assembled for billboard display presentationsduring the baseball season. Portability and easy of assembly anddisassembly are unique and important novel features of the presentinvention.

For the purpose of this disclosure the term static non-electronicbillboard or sign with respect to being retrofit by the retrofit kit 10,means any sign that has an advertising display mounting surface composedof steel, wood, concrete, masonry or other suitable mounting materialsof a sufficient strength to support the array of structural framesprovided in the retrofit kit 10. The advertising media of such a staticnon-electronic billboard or sign includes paper, paper panels and anyother advertising media having permanent and non-changing indicia in theform of images, text, and symbols disposed thereon. Notwithstanding theforegoing, it is contemplated that the billboard 110 of the presentinvention may also be utilized to replace existing electronic signage,whether such electronic signage is of a roadside structure or an indooror outdoor building structure configuration.

As will be explained hereinafter in greater detail, the electronicbillboard 110 is constructed by the use of standardizedultra-lightweight hand mountable structural frames composed ofstructural foam and fully integrated electronics for simple and quick,“plug and play” installation. The panelized or sectional construction ofthe billboard 110 as described herein allows for installation with nomajor structure modifications being required at the sign installationsite. Existing alternating current power, for operation in the UnitedStates, such as a 2-phase, 40 amp, 240 VAC source or a 2-phase, 80 amp,120 VAC source, supplied for illuminating the non-electronic billboard 8is all that is required for the fully integrated electronics formingpart of the billboard 110. Power converters, as optional equipment, maybe provided so the conversion process may utilize “universal power” asprovided anywhere in the world for driving the fully integratedelectronics forming part of the billboard 110 as will be explainedhereinafter in greater detail.

The modular nature of the billboard 110 and the hand mountable componentparts of the in-field modification kit 10 allow for installation in afast and convenient manner. The frame construction utilizing by the kit10, coupled with “plug and play” electronic technology allows for acustomer to retrofit virtually any existing non electronic billboard 8into a sophisticated electronic billboard 110 capable of displayinginstantaneously changing images and textual information for achievingsignificantly improved advertising results than previously provided forby the static billboard 8.

In summary then, the in-field modification kit 10 when used inaccordance with the method of retrofitting 1010 facilitates theconversion of a static non electronic billboard 8 into a dynamicelectronic billboard display 110, which obtains for a customer severalunique and novel advantages:

1. The in-field modification kit 10 enables a static billboard display 8to be easily and quickly converted into a dynamic billboard 110, wheredisplayed information can be changed instantaneously and remotely asneeded via a power data routing system that will be describedhereinafter in greater detail;

2. The simplicity of the kit design allows for the installation by aninstallation team or even a single installer without sophisticatedinstallation training;

3. The converted electronic billboard 110 is relatively inexpensive tooperate using low power consumption electronic devices;

4. The integration of the existing on-site power utilized to illuminatea static billboard coupled with the use of standardized modularcomponents with integrated preformed power and data cables allows forquick and easy installation;

5. The utilization of a structural frame construction that duplicatesitself coupled with the utilization of a display module constructionwhich also duplicates itself completely eliminates the common need ofsection identification markers normally required of sectional signs,such as the sectional sign of the present invention;

6. The utilization of a ultra-light frame construction permits theretrofit kit of the present invention to be easily and convenientlytransported to any remote sign location for installation by hand withoutthe need of any special moving equipment; and

7. The simplicity of the dynamic billboard design allows for the use ofexisting poster panels in an existing static billboard making theretrofit process highly efficient.

The Retrofit Kit

Before describing in detail the on-site or in-field retrofitting process1010, it will be beneficial to first describe the retrofit kit 10 thatis utilized by an installation team or installer in transforming thestatic billboard 8 into the dynamic billboard 110. In this regard, theretrofit kit 10 as best seen in FIG. 2, generally includes (1) aplurality 10A of thin, ultra-light weight compound functional structuralframes, such as a compound structural frame 12 as best seen in FIG. 23;(2) a plurality 10B of fully weatherized latch in place display modules,such as a display module 14, as best seen in FIGS. 8-9; (3) a plurality100 of preformed wire harness assemblies as best seen in FIGS. 24A-C;and (4) a power modification kit 10C that enables the plurality 100 ofharness assemblies to be coupled to a source of electrical informationor data as well as a source of universal power that will be describedhereinafter in greater detail. The kit 10 also includes an instructionmanual and mounting hardware 10F, as well as an insect and rodentinfestation resistance kit 10E that will also be described hereinafterin greater detail.

The Structural Frames and Display Modules of the Kit, in General

As best seen in FIG. 23, each structural frame 12 forming part of theretrofit kit 10 includes a plurality of structural bay members, such asa structural bay member 16 as best seen in FIGS. 4-7. FIG. 23 is a frontplane view of a single structural frame 12 having an array of structuralbay members 16 arranged in a five (5) bay high by a two (2) bay wideconfiguration. FIGS. 4-5 are greatly enlarged frontside views of anindividual structural bay member 16 without and with certain installedfeatures respectively. FIGS. 6-7 are greatly enlarged backside views ofan individual structural bay member 16, also illustrated with andwithout certain installed features respectively. Each structural baymember 16 is adapted to receive and support therein a fully weatherizedand sealed LED display module 14. The display module 14 of the presentinvention may be installed in any structural bay member 16 forming partof the electronic billboard 110. In this regard, the display module 14of the present invention is universal, and requires no special sectionalmarkings or indicia for installation purposes.

As will be explained hereinafter in greater detail, the structuralframes 12 and its associated structural bay members 16 have built inalignment features, self-cooling features, wire routing features, andnode receptacle feature, which (1) facilitate a quick and easyinstallation process for the fully weatherized LED display modules 14;(2) facilitate and provide front billboard access for simple servicingprocesses which easy removal and replacement of display modules 14 asneeded: (3) facilitate simple and effective cooling, methods for eachdisplay module 14 due to a unique and novel structural cooperationbetween the structural frames 12 and the existing static billboardposter panels, such as a poster panel 9; and (4) facilitates a uniqueand novel, overall billboard structure that substantially preventsinvasion by bees and other insects or pests into the hollow interiorareas of the billboard 110.

Each individual display panel module 14 which forms part of the kit 10and the billboard 110 includes dual LED display panels indicatedgenerally at 14L and 14R as best seen in FIGS. 8-9. This dual LEDdisplay panel construction of the display module 14 provides for thedisplay of a total of 512 multi-color pixels (red, green and blue)consisting of 1536 LEDs (512R/512G/512B) which LEDs are configured inidentical pixel arrangements, such as a pixel arrangement 18 as bestseen in FIG. 16. Each LED display module 14 as best seen in FIG. 8, is317 mm in height or about one foot in height and 634 mm in width orabout two feet in width, so arrangement that two display boards with 512pixels are distributed over 0.2 square meters or about 2.16 square foot.Each pixel in this regard, includes a red LED, a green LED, and a blueLED to provide thousands of pixel color combinations. Each pixelarrangement 18 is therefore configured with a pixel pitch given by thefollowing formula:

Pixel pitch=317 mm/16=19.8 mm  [Equation 1]

Accordingly, each pixel arrangement 18 is configured as a 19.8millimeter display arrangement with a narrow viewing angle, which isbest suited to roadside billboard products, optimized sign brightnessand hence configured for the utilization of less power. It should benoted that wider angle light emitting diodes are fully contemplated foruse without changing the other physical components of the presentinvention to accommodate various types of advertising displays such ashigh definition video displays for indoor use as an example withoutlimitation.

The total number of compound structural frames 12 and the total numberof display modules 14 provided in any given retrofit kit 10 isdetermined in advance by the size of the static billboard 8 that isbeing converted. Table I that follows provides a cross reference betweenstandard sized billboards and the number of compound frames 12 anddisplay modules 14 provided in any given kit:

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE I Standard Billboard Number of Size Number ofFrames Modules 11 Ft. (Height) by 10 Full Size Frames 100 Modules 22 Ft.(Width) 14 Ft. (Height) by 22 Full Size Frames 230 Modules 48 Ft.(Width) and 11 Partial Frames (Lower 2 Rows) with top pair of bays 69Modules removed, and 3 Partial (Upper Rows) Frame with one column ofbays removed

Each structural frame 12 in the retrofit kit 10 is composed of a lowcost, light weight structural foam material which easily andconveniently mates in a tight surface to surface configuration with theposter panel surfaces of the existing static billboard 8. Such matingprovides a low cost means to support routed wires and to cool thedisplay modules, such as the display module 14 by and through unique andnovel design flexibility, light weight properties, strength andweathering capabilities. As needed for certain custom sized staticbillboards, a structural frame 12 may be easily and quickly configuredinto smaller units by the simple use of a skill saw. Stated otherwise,the light weight structural foam material may be field cut in LEDmodular increments by using the skill saw to cut along lateral frameribs areas 66 disposed between individual ones of the structural baymembers to reduce frame height or in the alternatively the foam materialmay be cut along the longitudinal frame rib area 68 between the columnsof the structural bay members to reduce frame width. The ability to cuta structural frame 12 to suit the structure in the field both verticallyand horizontally in LED modular increments adds flexibility for fieldinstallers. Such flexibility allows customized arrays to be constructedin the field in a fast, convenient, and inexpensive manner without anyexpensive manufacturing changes. Moreover, such flexibility allowscustomized display sizes to be easily and conveniently to be formed inthe field. In short, the lateral ribs 66 and longitudinal ribs 68 serveas cutting line guides or visualization features enabling the compoundstructural frame 12 to be cut in customized sizes ranging from a maximumfull frame size for supporting and receiving plural display modules to aminimum structural bay member size for supporting and receiving anindividual display module.

The surface mating properties between the closed poster panel surfacesof the static billboard 8 and the individual structural frames 12 whichare sealed by the individual weatherized display modules 14, furthereliminates the need for air conditioning and or fans to cool the largenumber of display modules 14 distributed across a frame array 30 of thebillboard 110. In this regard, a passive cooling structure or ventingsystem is formed in this surface to surface mating relationship whichallows substantially portions of the display module 14 to be latched andfixedly removably positioned or located within individual ventingchannels (FIG. 27) designed into the physical configuration ofindividual ones of the compound structural frames 12.

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that the surfacemating properties enable the individual structural frames 12 to furtherfunction as effective cable trays, cable management system, and conduitsfor the power and data cables coupled to the various ones of the displaymodules. Moreover, the sealed display modules 14, as will be describedhereinafter in greater detail, eliminate the need for any type ofsealing between the modules 14 and their receiving bay members, such asthe bay member 16. This in turn, provides an added benefit namely thatlittle or no static billboard steelwork modifications are required. Alsowith the aid of an interconnecting daughter board 20, as best seen inFIGS. 7 and 10, a significant reduction is achieved as only a singleDC/DC converter is utilized to power the two optimum sized LED panels14L and 14R respectively of the display module 14. In short, thesimplicity of the in-field retrofit kit 10 enables a “Digital Sign in aBox” kit type of methodology, which moves assembly of the dynamicbillboard 110, from the factory to a field end user. This is especiallyattractive for hard to reach or landlocked sites where cranes cannotgain access.

It should be further appreciated by those skilled in the art, that thestructural foam material that each structural frame 12 is constructed ofis not subject to post shrinkage and therefore the structural integrityof a resulting billboard 110, is protected and weatherized against postextreme cold and extreme heat experiences in normal weather conditions.Moreover, mounting or latching tolerances required of the latched indisplay modules will not be affected so there is no danger of a displaymodule 14 or any other component of the sign 110 from distorting due toshrinkage. In this regard, safe and effective operation of the dynamicbillboard sign 110 can be expected over a substantial life period ofabout 10-15 years or longer.

Based on the foregoing, it should be understood by those skilled in theart, that the retrofit kit 10 is a self-contained, in-field or on-site,retrofit kit 10 for converting a static billboard 8 having a least oneposter panel 9 into a dynamic electronic billboard 110 which is adaptedto be coupled to a universal source of electrical power. To effect theconversion from a static billboard 8 to a dynamic billboard 110, the kit10 may be customized for the size of the static billboard 8 beingconverted. In this regard, there is no intention of limiting the size ofthe kit 10 to the precise size described herein as it is fullycontemplated that larger and smaller kit size may be constructed, forexample a kit with at least one modular compound structural frame 14that is adapted to be mounted to at least one poster panel 9 of thestatic billboard 8.

The number of modular compound structural frames 12 provided in anygiven kit 10, as noted earlier, is therefore determined by the actualsize of the static billboard 8. In this regard, a static billboard canbe as small as about a 2 square foot billboard or as large as needed. Inthis regard, the kit is fully scalable by adding additional powerenclosures and power junction boxes as needed.

Another unique and novel feature of the structural frame 12 as alreadybriefly mentioned is that when a structural frame 12 is mounted to theposter panel structures of the static billboard 8, the backside of thestructural frame 12 cooperates with the frontside of the poster panels,such as the poster panel 9, to form a pair of air columns orself-cooling air vents 91 as best seen in FIGS. 23 and 27A. The air ventcolumns 91 extend from the bottom of the structural frame 12 to the topof the structural frame 12. Still yet another unique and novel featureof the structural frame 12 is that the structural frame 12 furtherfunctions to define a plurality of wire routing paths, node receptacles,and frame/poster panel access paths which are disposed throughout thebillboard 110. These access paths, as will be described hereinafter,ensure that all the HVAC power is confined to the backside of thebillboard 110, while all the LVDC power is coupled to the frontside ofthe billboard 110; thus, making the billboard 110 very safe frompotential electrical shock scenarios.

The air vents or air conduits 91 formed between each structural frame 12and its associated poster panels 9 are formed due to the physicalstructure of the structural frame 12 as it is secured to the flatsurface area of the poster panel 9 on billboard 8. In this regard, acooling vent 91 is disposed in a left side column of the structural baymembers or in a right side column of structural bay members relative toa structural frame 12. In this regard, since the structural bay membersare arranged in 5 separate rows and two separate columns, the structuralframe 12 may be customized in size to provide a single cooling ventcolumn 91 or a pair of spaced apart cooling vent columns 91 as needed.

This passive cooling arrangement is an important and novel feature ofthe present invention. In this regard, when there is a large array ofLED modules provided in a large outdoor billboard display, there may betemperature variations across the display array. In particular, modulesthat are disposed toward the center of the display array or toward thehigher points in the array, may reach higher temperature during normaloperating conditions. It is for this reason that conventional billboarddisplay systems are provided with active fan driven cooling arrangementto compensate for these variations. The present invention however solvesthe variation in heat spots in a unique and novel way with a passivecooling system that uses the cooperation of air channels 91 (FIGS. 23and 27A) built into the backside of each structural frame 12 to providea plurality of cooling conduits spread out across the whole of thestructural frame array 30. Moreover, windows or cutout areas, such as adaughter board window 330 (FIGS. 5-6) forming part of each structuralbay member 16 enable a set heat sink cooling fins, indicated generallyat 24 F (FIG. 11) associated with each display module 14, to be locatedwithin an associated cooling vent 91 where air flow travels from abottom area of the billboard 110 to a top area of the billboard 110 bynatural air flow convection. With this natural air column structure,should a billboard 110 be constructed from a retrofit kit 10 andinstalled in an extremely hot and humid environmental area of thecountry, cooling fans could be quickly and easily installed for eachcooling vent 91 to provide forced convection cooling along these coolingvent paths, if needed.

Yet another unique and novel feature of the compound structural frame 12is its compound structure. That is, a single structural frame 12contains plural structural bay members, such as the structural baymember 16. Each bay member 16 is adapted to latchingly receive andsecure one completely weatherized display module 14, which in turn, asalready mentioned is configured with side by side LED boards or panels,such as the left side display panel 14L and the right side display panel14R. The bay member 16 and the display module 14 of the retrofit kit 10are provided with complementary alignment and latching features thatwill be described hereinafter in greater detail. It will suffice for themoment to mention that each display module 14 includes a set of rearside alignment receptacles, such as a rear side alignment receptacle14AR, as well as a pair of spaced apart center alignment receptacles14CAR as best seen in FIG. 9, which receptacles 14AR and 14CAR areadapted to slidably receive therein a corresponding set of structuralbay alignment posts or columns, such as upstanding alignment posts 60ARand 60ARC respectively (FIGS. 4-5). In this regard, each display module14 is slidably mounted into a structural bay 16 from the frontside ofthe billboard 110 for easy and quick installation.

As mentioned earlier, the display module 14 of the present invention islatched into placement within an associated structural bay member 16. Inthis regard, each display module 14 also includes a set of latchreceiving members, such as a latch receiving member 1400 (FIG. 9), whichlatch receiving member 14LM is adapted to receive a latch member 416(FIG. 5) from an associated latch assembly 412, which assembly 412 ismounted within the structural bay member 16. This latching arrangementis an important and novel feature of the present invention, as it notonly allows for the individual ones of the display modules to be easilyand quickly installed or removed from an associate structural bay member16, but it also protect each display module 14 from being dislodged fromits associate bay member 16 due to unwanted and unexpected wind loadforces.

It should be noted that each display module 14 is latched into place bya simple quarter turn with a latch access tool (not shown) such as aconventional Allen wrench tool. It should further be noted that when adisplay module 14 is mounted within an associated structural bay members16, it is mounted in abutment with another display module 14. In thisregard, a continuous line of display modules is configured on thefrontside of the billboard 110 as best seen in FIG. 25 to provide anuninterrupted side by side relationship and an uninterrupted top tobottom relationship. The abutment of the weatherized display modules, ina tight fit with one another, is therefore by design and effectivelyseals the frontside of the structural bay members of each structuralframe within the array 30, while at the same time forming asubstantially flat frontside face construction for the billboard 110,which substantially flat front face construction is extremely resistantto wind load forces.

As above-described, each display module 14 is latched in place by alatch assembly 412 which is disposed to the backside of the displaymodule 14 creating a latch assembly access issue. This access problemfor removing a display module 14 from its associated bay member 16 fromthe frontside of the billboard 110 was solved by providing each displaymodule 14 with a set of latch access holes, such as a latch accessaperture 17H as best seen in FIG. 9. In this regard, the access aperture17H enable an installer to use his or her tool and reach a sufficientdistance through the display module 14 to activate each associated latchwith a simple quarter turn, thus securing the display module 14 withinits structural bay member 16.

The display module 14 is further adapted to be coupled to a universalsource of electrical power via an individual one of the plurality ofwire routing paths that will be described hereinafter in greater detail.For the moment it will suffice to state that the display module 14operates on a direct current low voltage source which is coupled fromthe backside of the billboard 110 to the frontside of the billboard 110.The modular electrical conversion device or display module 14 is furtheradapted to be coupled to a data source via an individual one of theplurality of wire routing paths. Each one of the LED boards, formingpart of the display module or the modular electrical conversion deviceincludes a plurality of electrical elements coupled to the constantpower source and to the data source for converting electrical energyinto visible radiant energy indicative of an electronic message intendedfor public viewing.

Finally it should be noted that the structural frame 12 (FIG. 2) has asufficient depth dimension and a sufficient strength construction sothat no unexpected wind loads within normal building code weatherconditions can be expected to overstress a structural frame 12. Tofurther obviate such bending stresses, each structural frame 12 of thebillboard sign 110, has been provided with a sufficiently large numberof restraint/bolt locations, such as a center frame bolt locationfeature 62 and an outside frame edge bolt location 63. These centerrestraint location features 62 are disposed along the center of thestructural frame 12 in a spaced apart manner from the top of thestructural frame 12 to the bottom of the structural frame 12. In asimilar manner the outside frame edge restraint location features 63 aredisposed along the right side edge and the left side edge of thestructural frame 12 from top to bottom of the structural frame 12. Toover restrain the billboard 110 relative to the undersurface posterpanels, if necessary, each structural frame 12 is further provided withintermediate bolt location features 61 which also extend from the top tothe bottom of the structural frame 12. Such over or excess restraintability built into each structural frame 12 substantially eliminates thedanger of such bending stresses. During installation of the retrofit kit10, a minimum bolt pattern is established based on worst wind loads andthe allowable stress on the frame 12. In short, the new and uniquebillboard 110 is designed to reduce tensile stress and to optimize theload bearing capabilities of the designed billboard structure 110.

The above-mentioned multiple bolt locations 61, 62, 63 also enablesflexibility during the installation of the retrofit kit 10. For example,in order to miss a panel seam in an existing gauge metal structureassociated with a static billboard 8, an installer can easily avoid sucha seam by simply utilizing an adjacent bolting feature. This, in turn,means that during the installation of the retrofit kit 10 less billboardstructural steelwork modifications, if any, are required greatlyreducing installation time. Moreover, it should be further understoodthat because the sealed display modules 14 are removably latched intoplace within respective ones of the bay members 16, such display modules14 can be easily and quickly removed from the frame 12 thereby allowingadditional bolts to be secured to a frame 12 accommodating possiblefuture changes in a building code wind load design should that everoccur. Again this is an important, unique and novel feature of thepresent invention since there is the ability to replace sections of thebillboard 110 without the use of heavy machinery. Moreover, if desiredas earlier-mentioned, the billboard 110 may be easily and quicklydisassembled and transported for installation at another staticbillboard location. For example, first using the dynamic billboard at afootball field and then later using the dynamic billboard at a baseballfield. This is an important and uniquely novel feature of the presentinvention although it is not expected that this feature will be utilizedto any great extent because of the substantially low cost of thebillboard components and labor.

The Poster Panels of an Existing Static Billboard

Since the retrofit kit 10 is mounted to existing poster panels 9 of astatic billboard 8, it should be understood by those skilled in the art,that preparing a site for installation of the retrofit kit 10 is animportant step in the retrofit process. This preparation process will bedescribed hereinafter in greater detail. For the moment; however, itshould be noted that each poster panel 9 that will receive a structuralframe 12 of the retrofit kit 10, must be substantially flat and uniformand cleaned of any residual poster paper. This is necessary since thestructural frames that will be installed, need to be aligned with oneanother, and the structural frames need to lay flat against and inintimate contact with the surface of each poster panel 9. It should alsobe noted that poster panels are an industry standard. They are typicallyconstructed of 20 gauge sheet metal, which is formed into interlockingpanels. The total depth of a poster panel is about 2 inches so the boltsand self-drilling or tek-screws utilized to secure the structural framesto the underlying poster panels 9 can pass through the panels withoutthe use of anything but standard steel drills and the like.

The Compound Structural Frame

Considering now the compound structural frame 12 in greater detail, eachcompound structural frame 12 as earlier-mentioned is composed of astructural foam material, which is a type of cellular plastic with adense outer skin surrounding a foam core. Structural foam was selectedbecause of its light weigh, strength and its ability to be easily moldedto provide the many unique and novel features designed into eachstructural frame 12. In this case, it should be understood thatstructural foam molding is a process for making extremely strong, rigidand light-weight plastic parts and products that have a hard outer “skinor shell” and a hard honeycomb type foamed inner core. The structuralfoam molding process is an extension of a standard injection moldingprocess but is a greatly improved process for the present inventionproviding several unique and important advantages.

For example, using injection molding would be very impractical and costprohibitive for the large 4 foot by 5 foot structural frames of thepresent invention. Moreover, the steel molds required in injectionmolding as opposed to the aluminum molds used in structural foammolding, would present another serious problem relative to costs. Thisdeficiency of injection molding relative to the structural frame 12 ofthe present invention is due to the many built in design features in thestructural frame 12 which help to modularize this component. Forexample, the built in cooling conduits that facilitate a passive coolingstructure without the need for using cooling fans; or the built in nodereceptacles and wire routing paths that facilitate the use of preformedwiring harnesses and the use of jumpers that facilitate redundant datapath resulting in a significant reduction in power and data routingcomplexities but making injection molding quite impractical.

Another unique and important feature of the present invention is thatall power delivered to the structural frame array 30 for use by theinstalled display modules is rectified to less than 30 VDC at thebackside of the billboard 110. This low direct current voltage is thencoupled through a pair of power access holes or opening from thebackside of the billboard 8 to the frontside of the structural framearray 30 where the rectified low voltage power is safely routed within astructural frame array 30 using preformed wire harnesses that will bedescribed hereinafter in greater detail. For now it will suffice tomention that a preformed power/data wiring harness 2400H (FIG. 24C)provides a plurality of preformed nodes or over-mold node features2401-2411, where the preformed nodes are configured to be snapped orpressed into position in wire harness node receptacle features, such asan upper wire harness node receptacle feature 350 and a lower wireharness node feature 351 (FIG. 23), which receptacle features are builtinto the structural frame 12. In short, a significant reduction inretrofit time is achieved by the unique and novel complementary featuresof structural frame receptacle coupled with power/data wiring harnessover-mold node features.

Although the time to mount a structural frame 12 of the presentinvention is much greater than the time to mount an LED display module14 of the present invention (due to screw and bolt fastening requirementas opposed to simply positioning and, sliding an LED module 14 in placein an associated structural bay member 16 and then latching the moduleinto place), it should be appreciated that the large, hand mountable, 5foot by 4 foot modular structure of each structural frame 12 coupledwith a plurality of row aligned and column aligned structural baymembers 16 configured to receive a universal display module 14, that donot need or require sectional markings or indicia, facilitates quick andeasy installation of the retrofit kit 10 at a low cost. For example, itwould be extremely impractical to need to mount one hundred structuralframes in order to accommodate 100 LED modules where weatherization ofthe frames is in-field labor intensive, whereas weatherization of theLED modules is in-factory labor intensive. From the foregoing, it shouldbe understood that due to yield, weight and manufacturing limitations,the structural frames 12 and the LED display modules 14 of the presentinvention, are each optimized in size and in ease of in-fieldinstallation to be fully protected against building code weatherconditions.

From the foregoing, those skilled in the art should dearly understandthat the structural frame 12 is designed with the following unique andnovel features as part of the retrofit kit 10: (1) each frame 12 iscomposed of light weigh durable structural foam which is sufficientlylight in weight (no greater than 50 pounds) that the frame can be easilylifted and installed by a single worker without the need of a crane orany other heavy lifting equipment; (2) each frame is modularized withbuild in design features that not only help substantially minimizeretrofit kit installation time, but which also reduce operating costs;(3) each structural frame 12 is identical, and may be easily and simplyreduced in size to its lowest modular structure for duplicativeinstallation weatherizing processes; (4) each structural frame 12 isidentical and easy to install which minimizes the skill level requiredfor installing the retrofit kit 10; (5) each structural frame 12 hasbuilt in cooling vents capabilities thus, avoiding complicated coolingschemes with electrical cooling fans and the like for the on-boardelectronics: (6) each structural frame 12 is protected from insectinfestation and is further protected from unwanted and undesired smallanimal and bird invasion; and (7) each structural frame 12 is providedwith a safety fall prevention feature in the form of a lanyard receivinghole 69 (FIG. 23) which allows the frame 12 to be temporarily attachedto an anchored lanyard so the frame 12 cannot fall while be installed toa structural back panel.

Over-Mold Node Locators and Node Receptacles

Considering now the structural frame 12 in still greater detail, eachstructural frame 12 is provided with the capability of accepting inpredetermined cable routes preformed power and data cable harnesses,such as the power and data harness 2400H as best seen in FIG. 24C. Inthis regard, each column of structural bay members 16 is provided with atotal of 6 over mold node receptacle features which extend from the topof the structural frame 12 to the bottom of the structural frame 12. Inthis regard, each structural bay member 16 is provided with a singleupper over mold node receptacle feature 350 (FIG. 23), but only thebottom row of structural bay members 16 is provided with a pair of overmold node receptacle features, namely the upper wire harness nodereceptacle feature 350 and a lower wire harness node receptacle feature352. This is an important and novel configuration as the extra or lowerwire harness node receptacle 352 will cooperate with a powerintroduction over mold node 2406PS (FIG. 14) forming part of the powerdata harness 2400H to facilitate a 10 AWG wire spliced to a 14 AWG wiremidway in the associated power data harness 2400H as best seen in FIGS.24C and 28. When two structural frames, such as the structural frame 12,are aligned one on the bottom and one on the top as best seen in FIG.23, the above-mentioned splice takes place between in the bottom row ofthe top frame 12 or between the 5.sup.th and 6.sup.th over mold nodelocators of the harness 2400H as will be explained hereinafter ingreater detail. For now it will suffice to state that this quick andeasy “snap or press in place” process, using the over mold nodes of thepreformed harness 2400H and the wire harness node receptacles 350 and352 of the structural frame 12 facilitates quick and easy ofinstallation of the power and data wiring harnesses required by thebillboard 110. As all of the power data harnesses 2400H are identical instructure, an installer simply starts by snapping or pressing respectiveones of the over mold nodes into their respective ones of over mold nodereceptacle from top to bottom in the columns of structural bay members(FIG. 28). This wiring installation process therefore is accomplished ina very fast and convenient manner without the need of using complex andunnecessary node/receptacle identification indicia markings. In short,the structural frame 12 and the wire harnesses, such as the preformedwire harness 2400H cooperate with each other to provide a very efficientand novel data and power routing system because of the build in designof wire routing features found within each structural frame 12.

As noted-above, the over mold node receptacles 350 and 352 in eachcolumn of structural bay members 16, define a built-in power and datarouting features within each structural frame 12 which coupled with thesimple, easy to snap or press in place power data harnesses, such as apower/data harness 2400H, facilitates quick and easy installation of theretrofit kit 10. The over-mold node features 2401-2405, 2406PS and2406-2410 and the wiring harness node receptacles 350-351 are animportant and unique feature of the present invention since thesefeatures in combination not only help expedite locating the routing andinstallation paths for the data power wiring, expedite inter-connectionswithin the structural frames 12, but they also help prevent harnessdamage during installation by helping to prevent the power and dataharnesses from becoming tangled in bundle of wires which could be easilypinched and damaged during later installation of the display modules 14.It should also be understood by those skilled in the art that bylimiting all the High Voltage AC wiring to the backside of the posterpanels and only passing low voltage DC power through to the frontside ofthe poster panels and structural frames 12 an outstanding safety featureis achieved. That is, when an installer or maintenance person is workingon the billboard 110 from the frontside of the billboard, that personwill never be exposed to HVAC power. In short, the installer ormaintenance person is protected from unwanted and dangerous electricalshocks when removing and replacing display modules from the frontside ofthe billboard 110 or when making any repairs on the frontside thebillboard 110.

The Display Module

Considering now the sealed display module 14 in greater detail withreference to FIGS. 8-11, each hand mountable display module 14, iscompletely weatherized, self-contained and ready for quick and easyinstallation in a bay member 16 forming part of a structural frame 12.The display module 14 generally has a longer horizontal dimension thanvertical dimension and is arranged generally in about a one foot by twofoot rectangular configuration. In this regard each LED display module14 is optimized in size for the structural bays of the presentinvention. As mentioned herein, each structural frame 12 may be reducedin size from it standard height width configuration to a smallerconfiguration if needed. In this smallest configuration, which isachieved by using a skill saw to separate the smallest configurationfrom the balance of the frame, the resulting structural frame 12 stillhas the ability to receive within its associated structural bay member16 a single display module 14. In short then, the display module 14 isoptimized in size and weight thereby substantially reducing the cost ofreplacement should a module 14 fail. That is, if this optimization wasnot achieved, and the display module was substantially larger in size,not only would the increased size, increase weight, but it would furtherincrease the impact of a manufacturing defect failure with a resultingincrease in cost. Yield and weight are therefore important tradeoffsagainst the need to install a greater number of modules.

As best seen in FIG. 10, which is an exploded view of the display module14, the display module 14 generally includes an LED frame 201 which isconfigured to receive two side-by side LED display panel assemblies,namely a left side display panel or PCA assembly 14L and a right sidedisplay panel or PCA assembly 14R, where each display pane assembly 14L,14R has a vertical dimension, and a horizontal dimension whichdimensions are substantially equal in length. A frontside 201F of eachLED frame 201 is adapted for receiving and supporting therein the leftside printed circuit assembly (PCA) 14L, and a right side printedcircuit assembly (PCA) 14R. The left PCA 14L is received on a front leftside 201FL of the LED frame 201, while the right PCA 14R is received ona front right side 201FR of the LED frame 201. For clarity purposes theprinted circuit assemblies 14L and 14R are illustrated at the backsideof the LED frame 201 although as above-noted, each assembly is installedin the frontside 201F of the LED frame 201.

The display panel assemblies 14L and 14R are each configured in about aone foot by one foot arrangement abutting one another as best seen inFIG. 25. Each display panel assembly 14L and 14R, provides a displayarray of two hundred and fifty six pixels, where each pixel is definedby a set of three different color light emitting diodes, namely a redcolor generating LED 225R, a green color generating LED 225G, and a bluecolor generating LED 225B as best seen in FIG. 16. The individual LEDs225R, 225G, and 225B combine to provide a three color pixel whichconverts electrical energy into visible radiant energy, which visibleradiant energy is cast outwardly from the surface of the display module14 to display information in recognized light patterns of images andtext when viewed as a total assembly of light emitting diodes. In orderto help substantially reduce ambient light effects, each display panelassembly 14L and 14R is provided with a louver in the form of a leftfrontside louver 17L and a right frontside louver 17R respectively. Thefrontside louvers 17L and 17R are adapted to be mounted to the face ofrespective ones of the printed circuit assemblies 14L and 14R on LEDframe standoff features and a set of 13 screws (black paint,M2.6.times.8 mm) per side. Please note, that for further claritypurposes, with reference to FIG. 10, each of the PCA assemblies 14L and14R respectively are shown with only a single light emitting diode 225R.

As already earlier-noted each display module 14 also includes acentrally disposed daughter board 20 which handles the transfer of databetween each of the display panel assemblies 14L and 14R respectivelyand also distributes power for use by the individual light emittingdiodes. The electronic structure of the daughter board 20 will bedescribed hereinafter in greater detail. For the moment, it will sufficeto mention, that the daughter board 20 is adapted to be mounted to thebackside of the LED frame 201 centrally disposed between the two PCAassemblies 14L and 14R. This center mounting arrangement is an importantand unique feature of the present invention. In this regard, thisarrangement, (1) enables a single power and data control board 20 todrive two separate display panel assemblies 14L and 14R respectively;and it also (2) enables the heat generated from driving the large bankof light emitting diodes associated with the display module 14 to bedissipated rearwardly into a large daughter board heat sink 24. Asalready mentioned, and as best seen in FIG. 7, the heat sink 24 isdisposed within a cooling vent 91, when the display module 14 is latchedwithin an associated structural bay member 16. The manner in which thecomponent parts of the display module 14 are factory assembled will bedescribed hereinafter in greater detail.

Detailed Construction of the Structural Frame

Considering now the structural frame 12 in still greater detail withreference to FIGS. 4-7 and 23, the structural frame 12 is configured inabout a 4 foot wide by 5 foot high modular unit composed of structuralfoam. The structural frame 12 is a compound structure since it containsten substantially identical structures in the form of structural baymembers, such as the structural bay member 16. Each bay member 16 asearlier-mentioned is adapted to receive and support therein a displaymodule 14. As the structural bay members are substantially identical instructure, only one of the structural bay members will be described;however, as needed, any structural bay having a unique feature from anyother structural bay members 16 will also be described. For example, asalready discussed, the bottom row of structural bays in a structuralframe 12 includes an extra or lower over mold node receptacle 352 (SeeFIGS. 4 and 23). The bottom row of structural bay members 16 alsoinclude an extra set of wire routing features, such as a left side wirerouting feature 308 and a right side wire routing feature 310 that willbe described hereinafter in greater detail. The wire routing features308 and 310 as well as the lower over mold node receptacle 352 are notfound in the other four rows of structural bay members 16. Thesefeatures are only found in the bottom row of structural frame baymembers 16. This again, is an important and unique feature of thepresent invention, as it as will be described hereinafter in greaterdetail. For the moment, it will suffice to mention that these featuresenable routing of the data connection cables 2400DC (FIG. 24B) alongthis bottom row of the frame array 30 as best seen in FIG. 17. In a likemanner, these features will help facilitate coupling power wiring fromthe frontside of the billboard to the backside of the billboard 110 aswill be explained hereinafter in greater detail. Based on the foregoing,it should be understood, those structural frames with these uniquefeatures will always be installed in the 1.sup.st and 6th rows of theframe array 30.

Considering now the structural bay member 16 in greater detail withreference to FIGS. 4-7, the structural bay member 16 generally includesa plurality of irregularly shaped weight reduction cutout areas, such asa top left weight reduction cutout area 312, a bottom left weightreduction cutout area 313, a top right weight reduction cutout area 315,a bottom right weight reduction cutout area 316 and a pair of centerright weight reduction cutout areas 317 and 318 which are adjacent toweight reduction cut out areas 315 and 316 respectively. The pluralityof weight reduction cutout areas 312-318 are strategically positioned sothe weight of the frame does not exceed 50 pounds and so as not tocompromise the structural integrity of the structural frame 12 so it canwithstand wind load forces in excess of 100 pounds per square foot. Suchcutout areas also provide access areas for installer to easily reachpower and data harnesses, wire routing hooks, and over mold or snap-innode receptacles. In this regard, harnesses, jumper and connectioncables can be easily routed and secured within the bay members andsecured to wiring harness node receptacles, such as the upper wireharness node receptacles 350, the lower wire harness node receptacles351, which receptacles form part of each structural bay member 16.

As mentioned earlier, the bottom row of the structural bay members asbest seen in FIGS. 4 and 23, include unique features not found in theother rows of structural bay members. As a result of these extrafeatures, the other rows without these features are provided withdifferent shaped cutout areas indicated generally as an expanded bottomleft side cutout weight reduction area 304 and an expanded bottom rightside cutout weight reduction area 306 as best seen in FIG. 23.

The wire harness node receptacles 350-351, are an important and uniquefeature of the present invention as they allow power and data wiringharnesses, such as the power data wiring harness 2400H, to be quicklyand easily snapped or pressed into place within the frame array 30,which in turn, makes assembly of the plurality of harnesses 2400H intothe array 30 very efficient while at the same time helping the installerto easily organize the power and data wiring of each of the structuralbay members 16.

Each structural bay 16 further includes a plurality of latch receivingboss areas, which are oriented either in a lateral direction relative tothe structural frame 12 or in a vertical direction relative to thestructural frame 16. The latch receiving boss areas are further orientedto receive a frame latch assembly, such as a frame latch assembly 412 asbest seen in FIG. 5 within associated latch latching member 416extending upwardly, downwardly, to the right, or to the left so that theLED tile or display module 14 secured by the respective different onesof the latch assemblies 412 is protected against unwanted and unexpectedwind load forces within the scope of building code requirements. In thisregard, there are two +Y latch receiving boss areas; including an upperleft side +Y latch receiving boss area 322 and an upper center +Y latchreceiving boss area 323; a single left lower side −X latch receivingboss area 324; an upper right side +X latch receiving boss area 327, andtwo −Y latch receiving boss areas, including a lower center −Y latchreceiving boss area 325 and a lower right side −Y latch receiving bossarea 326. Each of the latch receiving boss areas 322-327 have pairs oflatch mounting holes, such as a pair of latch mounting holes 320 and 321respectively, which holes 320-321 are dimensioned for receiving a latchmounting rivet 419 to facilitate mounting the frame latch assembly 412within its corresponding latch receiving boss area.

The orientation of the latch receiving boss areas 322-327 and theirassociated frame latch assemblies 412 is another important and novelfeature of the present invention. In this regard the latching action ofthe individual frame latch assemblies 412 disposed in boss areas 322 and327 are diagonally opposed in the .+−.Y directions, while the latchingaction of the frame latch assemblies 412 disposed in boss areas 324 and325 are diagonally opposed in the .+−.X directions, and finally, thelatching action of the frame latch assemblies 412 disposed in boss areas323 and 326 are oriented in opposition to one another along a centralaxis of the structural bay member 16 in the +Y and −Y directionsrespectively. From the foregoing, it should be understood themulti-latching-directions as described herein assures that a LED displaymodule 14 is completely protected from unwanted and unexpected windloads. As will be explained hereinafter in greater detail, each displaymodule 14 includes a corresponding or complementary set of latchreceiving receptacles, such as a display module latch receivingreceptacle 14LM as best seen in FIG. 9. In this regard, the modulereceiving receptacles 14LM are oriented similarly to the frame latchassemblies 412, in order to facilitate latching engagement withrespective ones of the latch assemblies 412 mounted within respectiveones of the structural bay members 16. For now, it will suffice tomention, that because of the unique modular construction of both thestructural frames 12 and the display modules 14, the display modules ofthe present invention may be installed in any structural bay member 16within the frame array 30. In short, there is no need for identifyinginstallation location indicia within the frame array 30 for individualone of the display modules 14, as their placement is universal withinthe frame array 30.

Each structural bay 16 further includes a centrally disposed daughterboard receiving cut out area 330 (FIGS. 4-5) which is disposed betweenthe left side weigh reduction cutout areas 312-313 and the right sideweight reduction cutout areas 317-318. The daughter board cut out area330 is strategically positioned within the center of the structural baymember 16 directly over a structural frame lateral rear inside wall area319 (FIGS. 6-7) that helps to define a vent column or cooling conduit,indicated generally at 91 in the structural frame 12. In this regard, acooling conduit is formed when the structural frame 16 is secured withit rear face against the forward or front face of the poster panel 9disposed directly rearward of the structural frame member 12. Thisdaughter board cut out area 330 is sufficiently large to allow the heatsink fins 24F of the display module 14 mounted within such a cutout areato be disposed directly within the air path of the cooling conduit 91 asbest seen in FIG. 7. In this manner, natural air flow along this coolingconduit 91 is sufficient to substantially cool a plurality of displaymodules which are similarly disposed in the same cooling conduit. Forexample, billboard 110 which is illustrated as being constructed withten (10) structural frames 12 arranged in two rows and five columnswould be provided with ten (10) structural bay members 16 in each row ofthe structural frames 12, and twenty (20) structural bay members 16 ineach of ten column of structural frames 12 as best seen in FIG. 27. Thisarray 30 of structural frames therefore, would include two cooling vents91 in each structural frame 12 column, so a total of twenty coolingvents would be distributed across the entire frame array 30 given byequation 2:

Total Number of Cooling Vent=(1 Columns.times.2 Vents/Column)=20 CoolingVents   [Equation 2]

This in turn means that a total of 20 chimney vent locations would bedisposed across the top and bottom of the structural frame array 30.

As already explained, labor costs are greatly reduced relative to usingthe retrofit kit 10 to convert a static billboard 8 into a dynamicbillboard 110 because for a 11 foot by 22 foot billboard sign onlyrequires ten (10) structural frames and one hundred (100) completelyweatherized LED modules 14. To help minimize the time to install astructural frame so that the frame 12 is also completely weatherizedagainst building code weather conditions, each structural frame 14 isprovided with a pilot hole feature, such as a pilot hole feature 64 asbest seen in FIG. 4. The pilot hole feature 64 is disposed in the bottomrow of structural bay members 16 and therefore this feature helps aninstallers immediately identify the top and bottom of each structuralframe 16 for frame array 30 mounting purposes. As will be explainedhereinafter in greater detail the pilot hole feature 64 also helps aninstaller to determine where access holes 114H-116H (FIG. 17) will bedrilled in the frame array 30 for routing power and data wiring withinthe structural frame array and out to the backside of the billboard 110for connection to power junction boxes and a power data controllerenclosure box as will be explained.

Considering now the frame latch assembly 412 in greater detail withreference to FIG. 30, the frame latch assembly 412 generally includes aframe latch housing 414 and a frame latch latching member 416. Thehousing 414 and the frame latch latching member 416 are adapted to besecurely mounted within a latch receiving boss area of the structuralbay member 16 as previously discussed. In this regard, the propermounting orientation of a frame latch assembly 412 relative to anassociated receiving boss area is done quickly and easily by theorientation of the boss receiving areas. In other words, a frame latchassembly 412 can only be received within a boss area in the correctmating orientation. Once the frame latch assembly 412 has been receivedor mounted within a boss area it is secure within the boss area by aframe latch assembly mounting rivet 419 which fastens the assembly 412to the structural bay member 16 of the structural frame 12. It iscontemplated that in order to expedite field installation time of theretrofit kit 10, that frame latch assemblies, such as the frame latchassembly 412 will be secured by a rivet to the structural frame 12 atthe factory during structural frame construction time at the location ofa structural frame vendor, rather than installing the latch assemblies412 in the field.

Detailed Construction of the Display Module

Considering now the display module 14 in still greater detail withreference to FIGS. 10-11, 13 and 32-33, in order to facilitate thedistribution of data and low voltage power, each display module 14 isprovided with an integrated circuit assembly as the heretofore mentioneddaughter board 20. The daughter board 20 is mounted to an LED frame 201.FIG. 32 is a backside view of the LED frame 201, and FIG. 33 is afrontside view of the LED frame 201, without the daughter board 20 beingmounted thereto. Referring again to FIGS. 10-11, the daughter board 20generally includes a printed circuit board 21 having mounted thereon amicro-controller which is disposed in an integrated circuit can 26 and adirect current to direct current converter 25. The micro controller 26functions as an input/output data transferring device which ismechanically and electrically coupled to a twelve-pin power and dataconnector, indicated generally at 27. The connector 27 is mounted to theprinted circuit board 21 and is adapted to be connected to a matingpower and data connector 2400HM forming part of a set of preformed powerdata harnesses, such as the harness 2400H. The power data harnesses2400H distribute power and data throughout the array 30 of structuralframes as best seen in FIG. 17. The direct current to direct currentconverter 25 includes a left side low voltage channel 70 and a rightside low voltage channel 72 for distributing a stepped down low voltagefrom 24-30 VDC to 4 VDC for use by the individual light emitting diodes,for example diodes 225R, 225G and 225B (and their drivers), forming thepixel structures on the display panels 14L and 14R respectively. Thedaughter board 20 also includes a daughter board dam, indicatedgenerally at 22, which is adapted to be secured to the printed circuitboard 21 by screws (not shown) through the plastic frame. The daughterboard dam 22 overlays a thermal pad forming part of the DC-to-DCconverter 25. The dam 22 allows for an isolated increased potting depthat the connector, which is aligned to the board before the dam 22 isplaced in position. The dam 22 also facilitates the mounting of thedaughter board heat sink 24 in proper orientation to the othercomponents of the daughter board 20.

To facilitate distribution of data and power to respective ones of thedisplay panels 14L and 14R, the daughter board 20 is further providedwith a pair of spaced apart pin headers, including a left side pinheader 28LSPH and a right side pin header 28RSPH which in combinationwith the power data connector 27 enables the display module 14 to beelectrically and mechanically coupled to the power data distributionsystem 120 as will be explained hereinafter in greater detail.

As already mentioned, the display module 14 generally includes a leftside PCA display panel assembly 14L and a right side PCA display panelassembly 14R. As will be described shortly, and as best seen in FIG. 10the left side PCA assembly 14L includes a printed circuit board 610,while the right side PCA assembly 14R includes a printed circuit board612. Sometimes during the following detailed description of the assemblyof the display module, the term PCA assembly 14L may simply mean theprinted circuit board 610 with loaded light emitting diodes. In asimilar manner the term PCA assembly 14R may simply mean the printedcircuit board 612 with loaded light emitting diodes. This occurs becauseonce the assembly of the display module 14 has been completed the leftside PCA assembly 14L and the right side PCA assembly 14R are adhesivesecured to the LED frame on their respective front left side 201FL andfront right side 201FR and cannot be removed individually from the LEDframe 201. The above described terminology therefor occurs during thoseinstances where the PCA assemblies 14L and 14R have not been adhesivesecured to the LED frame 201 and it is utilized simply for that purpose.

Considering now the PCA assembly 14L in greater detail, the PCA assembly14L generally comprises a printed circuit board 610 which is providedwith a plurality of pairs of LED mounting holes, such as LED mountingholes 620-621 as best seen in FIG. 31. The LED mounting holes 620-621are dimensioned for receiving and surface mounting individual ones ofthe LEDs 225R, 225G and 225B. In this regard, the positive and negativeleads of the LEDs are received in their respective mounting holes,trimmed and soldered to the printed circuit board 610, until all the LEDmounting holes disposed on the printed circuit board 610 have beenloaded. The printed circuit board 610 is also provided with a set oflatch access holes, such as a latch access hole 634 that enablesfrontside access to the structural frame latch assemblies and theiractuators, such as an actuator 418 as best seen in FIG. 30. The printedcircuit board 610 also includes a set of header pin mounting holes,indicated generally at 635. These header pin holes indicated at 635 aredimensioned for receiving a set of header pins, which extend outwardlyfrom the connector 28LSPH mounted to the daughter board printed circuitboard 21. The PCB assembly 14R, since it is mounted to the right side ofthe LED frame 201, has its header pin mounting holes 635 disposed on thecenter left side of its associate printed circuit board 612. Indiciamarkings, such as the indicia marking indicated generally at 637 providean assembler a visual indication of whether a given board is to bemounted on the top left side of the LED frame 201 or on the top rightside of the LED frame 201. This orientation is important as it providesan indication of a further position reference so the latch access holes634 in the printed circuit board 610 are placed in their properorientation to the other component parts of the display module 14.

As best seen in FIGS. 10 and 32-33, the left side PCA 14L is adapted tobe securely mounted to a front left side 202 FL of the LED frame 201. Ina similar manner, the right side PCA 14R is adapted to be securelymounted to a front right side 201FR of the LED frame 201. For themoment, it will suffice to mention that the left side PCA 14L isprovided with a left side pin header slot or opening, indicatedgenerally at 211, while the right side PCA 14R is provided with a rightside pin header slot 212 which is larger than slot 211 as it furtheraccommodates the power data connector 27 as best seen in FIG. 33. Theseslots 211 and 212 are utilized for aligning and helping to mount thepower data connector 27 and the left side pin header 28LSPH and theright side pin header 28RSPH of daughter board 20 to the LED frame 201.In this regard, the daughter board 20 is mounted by a pair of screws(not shown) to a centrally disposed dam receiving space or areaindicated generally at 214 on backside 201B of the LED frame 201.

To facilitate these various mounting tasks, the frontside 201F of theLED frame 201 is provided with a set of alignment mounting features,such as an alignment mounting 204 (FIG. 33), while the individual onesof the printed circuit board assemblies 14L and 14R are each providedwith a plurality of alignment holes, such as a left side alignment hole630 as best seen in FIG. 31. In this regard, during assembly of anindividual one of the display modules 14, which assembly occurs in afactory setting and not on-site or in-the-field, an assembler will lineup the plastic stand-off features 204 disposed on the front left side201FL of the LED frame 201 with the left side alignment holes 630disposed in the left side PCB 610. Each individual one of the printedcircuit board assemblies 14L, 14R is marked with orientation indicia inthe form of a left or right arrow indicating which side of the PCA isup. Assembly continues by the assembler making certain that the PCB 610is push down flush within the front left side 201FL the LED frame 201.This alignment and mounting procedure is repeated for the front rightside 201FR of the LED frame 201 and the right side PCB 612. Once theprinted circuit board assemblies 610 and 612 are mounted flush to theLED frame 201, they are then secured to their respective frame sectionsutilizing a set of seventeen (17) Zinc plated, M2.6.times.8 mm screwswith a torque driver set to 5 inch pounds.

Considering now the weather sealed display module 14 in still greaterdetail with reference to FIGS. 10-11 and 32-33, the LED frame 201, isprovided with a set of daughter board alignment features, such as analignment feature 206 as best seen in FIG. 33. The daughter boardalignment features 206 facilitate assembly of the daughter board 20 to abackside of the LED frame 201. In this regard, with the LED frame 201flipped over onto a soft ESD sage surface, the daughter board alignmentfeatures 206 are clearly seen and are utilized to mount the daughterboard 20 to the LED frame 201. As best seen in FIG. 11, the circuitboard 21, forming part of the daughter board 20, has a corresponding setof alignment features in the form of a set of alignment holes 207 and208 respectively. The alignment holes 207 and 208 are dimensioned toreceive therein the alignment posts 206 of the LED frame 201.

During assembly, after the board 21 has been mounted to the LED frame201, the alignment holes 207, 208 are sealed with a standard industrialsilicone sealing agent. Once the alignment holes 207 and 208 are sealed,the power data connector 27, which is a standard Molex connector, andthe left side pin header 28LSPH and the right side pin header 28RSPH arealigned with their respective header openings 211 and 212 in the leftside PCA 14L and the right side PCA 14R, while the pins of the datapower connector 27 are aligned within the alignment opening 212. Theconnector body of the power connector 27 is further aligned with aplastic dam alignment feature 230 which is disposed on the backside theLED frame 201. When so aligned, the daughter board 20 is then pusheddownward into place until it is flush with the LED frame 201.

To facilitate correctly mounting the brick 25, the brick 25 is providedwith a set of offset holes (not shown) which should be aligned towardthe center of the daughter board 20 over the large integrated circuitsdisposed on the daughter board 20. Once the brick 25 is mounted, then athermal gap pad 25A is mounted to brick 25.

Next in the assembly process of the display module 14, a bead ofindustrial silicon is deposited around the edges 22E of the daughterboard dam 22. This bead of silicon material forms a dam around theconnector pins of the power data connector 27. The daughter board dam 22is then installed over the daughter board 20 with the silicone side ofthe dam 22 and against a corresponding centrally disposed dam featureindicated generally at 233 (FIG. 32) forming part of the LED frame 201.The daughter board dam 22 is then secured in place over the daughterboard 20 with a single screw (Zinc plated, M3.times.15) with a torquedriver set to 5 inch pounds. This structure forms a seal preventingpotting material that will be introduced from leaking away from thedaughter board 20.

With the daughter board dam 22 and thermal gap pad 25A installed, thedaughter board heat sink 24 is then mounted to the dam 22 with a set ofsix (6) Zinc plated screws (M3.times.15). The heat sink screws furthersecure the dam 22 to the LED frame 201. It is important to note that thescrews for securing the heat sink 24 to the dam 22 must be followed in adirect sequence as follows: first in the middle left, second in a topright, third in a top left, fourth in a middle right fifth in a bottomleft, and sixth in a bottom right. This order reflects that the headerconnector on the right hand side of the assembly.

Next, the left side pin header 28LSPH is soldered to the face of theleft side printed circuit board 610 or PCA 14L, while the right side pinheader 28RSPH is soldered to the right side printed circuit board 612 orPCA 14R. The frontside of the display module 14 is then potted using astandard potting compound, such as a potting compound manufactured andsold by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd. of Tokyo, Japan, identified as their3 component mat surface potting material KE-1283. In this regard, thepotting is poured to substantially a 3 millimeter depth and then curedin an oven at ninety (90) degrees Centigrade for about 30 minutes. Thepotting in this case must cover every exposed surface area of theprinted circuit boards 610 and 612 but without allowing any of thepotting material to touch the tips of the light emitting diodes mountedin their respective printed circuit board assemblies 14L and 14R.

After the display module 14 has been removed from the oven and allowedto cool, the left side louver 17L is installed to the face of the leftside printed circuit board assembly 14L using a set of thirteen screws(black paint, M2.6.times.8 mm) per side. A louver visor 17V (FIG. 10) isdisposed at an edge portion on one side of the frame 201 but not on theother side. That side with the visor 17V is a top side and is installedaccordingly so that when the display module 14 is in the uprightposition, the top row of light emitting diodes mounted therein will allbe red light emitting diodes.

Next, the daughter board dam 22 is potted with a standard pottingcompound, such as a potting compound manufactured and sold by Shin-EtsuChemical Company, Ltd as identified earlier. In this regard, the pottingof the daughter board dam 22 must be followed in a direct sequence asfollows: first that side opposite the power data connector 27 startingwith the dc-dc brick side first. This area is filled with a sufficientamount of potting material until the potting material is level with thebottom of the aluminum extrusion of daughter board heat sink 24. Next,the power data pins are encapsulated with the potting compound, which isa sufficient amount of potting material, is poured over the pins untilthey are completely covered. Finally, the balance or rest of thedaughter board dam 22 is filled ensuring that all areas and allcomponents of the daughter board 20 are completely covered.

As a final step, a set of perforated potting troughs, such as anelongate perforated potting channel 232 having a plurality ofperforations, such as a perforation 234 disposed along it bottom trougharea are disposed on the rear or backside of each of the printed circuitboard assemblies 14L and 14R respectively are filled to a depth of about2 millimeters with a standard potting compound, such as a pottingcompound manufactured and sold by Shin-Etsu Chemical Company, Ltd.identified earlier. Once all the troughs are filled, the display module14 is placed in an oven at ninety (90) degrees Centigrade for a periodof about 30 minutes to allow the poured potting compound to sufficientlycure. The display module is then removed from the oven and allowed tocool

As noted earlier, the assembly process followed for assembling eachdisplay module 14 is done at a factory and not on-site or in-the-fieldwhere the conversion process is being performed. In this regard, theretrofit kit 10 is provided with a set of completely assembled displaymodules, such as the sealed display module 14. Each sealed displaymodule 14 then is completely weatherized and made immune to invasion byinsects and other small animals. This is an important feature of thepresent invention. FIG. 18 provides a flowchart depiction of the displaymodule board 14 assembly processes.

Considering now the display modules in still greater detail, eachdisplay module 14 is provided as a completely sealed printed circuitboard assembly which is substantially rectangular in shape with a long Xaxis, an intermediate Y axis, and a short Z axis. Each module 14 iscompletely sealed from the outside and each display module 14 as bestseen in FIGS. 8-9 has a frontside 215 and a backside indicated generallyat 216. The backside 216 has a plurality of module alignment features,such as a module alignment feature 14AR and 14CAR. The individualalignment features 14AR and 14CAR extend along the short Z axis of themodule 14. The backside 216 also has a plurality of latch receivers,such as a latch receiver 14LM. The individual ones of the latchreceivers 14LM each have a latch access opening or cutaway areaindicated generally at 220 which openings 220 are dimensioned to receivetherein a module latch 416 forming part of latch assembly 412 mounted onthe frontside of the structural frame array 30. In operation, when alatch 416 is received within an individual one of the latch receivers14LM, the latch 416 and latch receiver 14LM cooperate to pull thedisplay module 14 into its associated structural bay member 16 whilesimultaneously applying a retaining tension so the display module 14 isheld in a tight fit within its associated structural bay member 16 ofthe structural frame array 30.

A total of six (6) module latches receivers 14LM are provided on eachdisplay module 14 and these receivers 14LM are aligned to receive thestructural frame latches, such as a latch 416. In this regard, thereceiver latch openings 220 are configured to receive an associatedmodule latch 416 in generally a lateral direction which is parallel tothe XY plane of the display module 14. In this regard, two of the latchopenings 220 receive a module latch 416 in the +Y direction, two of thelatch openings 220 receive a module latch 416 in the −Y direction, oneof the latch openings 220 receive a module latch 416 in the +Xdirection, and one of the latch openings 220 receive a module latch 416in the −X direction. Stated otherwise, the module latches receivers 14LMand the structural frame latch assemblies, such as the latch assembly412 are arranged in a generally zigzag layout pattern which allows forflexibility during installation but more importantly and which isconsidered a unique and novel feature of the present invention. In thisregard, the zigzag layout optimizes and protects each module display 14from being dislodged from its structural bay member 16 due to unexpectedhigh force gusts of wind. It is in this manner, each individual displaymodule 14 is firmly and securely latched within an associated structuralbay member 16. Each individual latch receiver 218 further has disposedadjacent to it a tool access opening indicated generally at 224, whichis best seen in FIG. 32 which is a back plane view of the LED frame 201.Each tool access opening 224 is dimensioned and configured to receivetherein an actuation tool 912 for engaging and actuating the modulelatch actuator 418 associated with its latch 416 (FIG. 30).

In summary then, as best seen in FIG. 18, a display module manufacturingprocess 6010 begins with a start step 6012, and immediately advances toa fabricate a printed circuit board assembly step 6021. At thefabrication step 6021, a printed circuit board assembly, such as the PCA14L is assembled as described earlier herein. The manufacturing processcontinues to an assembly step 6032, where the individual PCA units 14Land 14R are attached to the frontside 201F of the LED frame 201 by a setof fasteners (not shown).

Next, at an assembly step 6036, an assembled daughter board 20, issecured to the backside 201B of the LED frame 201. During this assemblyprocess, the header pins extending from the daughter board 20, from itsleft side and from its right side are received within the header pinmounting holes 635 of respective ones of the printed circuit boards 610and 612 forming part of PCA assemblies 14L and 14R respectively. Next,the daughter board heat sink 24 is attached to the backside of thedaughter board 20 at a form thermal interface step 6040 and itsassociated attach heat sink step 6048.

Next, the now partially assembled display module is tested at a testingstep 6050 to verify that the daughter board 20 and the associated PCAunits 14L and 14R are fully operational. If not operational, the unit isdiagnosed to determine what repairs are necessary to place the assemblyinto an operational condition and repair is made. If the partiallyassembled display module is fully operational, the header pins of thedaughter board are soldered at a solder step 6060 to their respectiveprinted circuit boards.

Once the display module is so assembled, a weather sealing step 6070 isperformed where the perforated adhesive channels 232 of the frame 201are filled with a potting compound adhesive 236 (FIG. 9). This adhesiveflows through the perforations 234 and forms a sealing layer of compoundacross the entire rear surface of the printed circuit board assemblies14L and 14R respectively. The potting compound is allowed to cure in anoven at about 80 degrees Centigrade for about 30 minutes. Once cured,the display module 14 is removed from the oven and turned over to itsfrontside where the assembly process is completed at an attach louversstep 6080. At the attach louver step 6080, the right side louver 17R isattached to the right side display panel assembly 14R and the left sidelouver 17L is secured to the frontside 201F of the left side displaypanel assembly 14L. The manufacturing process then ends at an end orstop manufacturing display module step 6082. An important feature andnovel feature of the present invention is that display modules or tile14 may be installed within any structural bay member 16 forming part ofthe frame array 30. No special marking or indicia is need on any displaymodule 14 to indicate where it should be installed within the framearray 30 and thus, significantly and substantially reducing installationand retrofit time.

The above-mentioned electrical structure of the display module 14 isbest seen in FIG. 13, which is a block diagram illustrating part of thepower data routing system 120 (FIGS. 17 and 26). That is, the power datarouting system 120 is routed and installed both on the frontside ofbillboard 110 via the structural frame array 30 and on the backside ofthe billboard 110 via the various components of the power modificationkit 10C. Each individual display module 14 mechanically and electricallycouples into this power data routing system 110 to provide radiant lightenergy. FIG. 13 therefor is a very simplified electrical block diagramof the display module 14 illustrating its interconnecting electricalcomponent and interconnections that will be described hereinafter ingreater detail. For the moment, it will suffice to mention that thepower requirements for the billboard 110 are determined by the voltagedrop constraints and that routing paths for power data wiring harnessesare fixed by various structural frame features that have been describedherein with greater detail.

Referring now to FIG. 13, the electrical structure of the display module14 is illustrated in very simplified block diagram form, showing thatthe display module 14 generally includes the daughter board 20 and itsassociated LED display panel boards 14L and 14R respectively. Thedaughter board 20 includes an integrated circuit board 21 having mountedthereon a DC-to-DC converter 25 and a micro controller 26. Both theDC-to-DC converter 25 and the micro controller 26 are electricallycoupled between a power data interface indicated generally at 28 andrespective ones of the LED display panel boards 14L and 14R. In thisregard, the DC-to-DC converter 25 is electrically coupled to displaypanel 14L by a left board DC power path 70 and to display panel 14R by aright board DC power path 72. The micro controller 26 is coupled todisplay panel 14L by a left board data path 80 and to display panel 14Rby a right board data path 82.

The power data interface 28 includes direct electrical connections fromthe twelve-pin data/power connector 27 via a power port pin 27P andpower conductor 73 that provides 24 VDC power to the DC-to-DC converter25. The power data interface 28 also includes a direct electricalconnection from the connector 27 via a pair of data port pins 2701 and27D2 and a pair of data connectors 81 and 83 respectively that provideinput and output data paths to the micro controller 26 and its inputport 261 and its output port 260. In this arrangement, a closed loopdata path is formed between the display panels 14L and 14R respectively.

FIG. 13 also provides a greatly simplified block diagram of theelectronics 29E for each display panel, such as the display panel 14L.In this regard, it can be seen that power conductor 70 supplied thepanel 14L with a rectified direct current low voltage of about 4 VDCstepped down from about 24-30 VDC, which 4 VDC is coupled to each of thelight emitting diodes or modular electrical conversion devices disposedon panel 14L. The data conductor 80 is coupled to 16 channels of lightemitting diode drivers indicated generally at 29L for driving individualones of the red, green, and blue light emitting diodes forming part ofthe electronics 29E. As this same arrangement is implemented for thedisplay panel 14R, it will not be described in further detail for thedisplay panel 14R.

The Retrofit Kit Installation Procedure

Considering now with reference to FIG. 19, a retrofit procedure 1010 isillustrated, which procedure 1010 is followed in accordance with theretrofit steps of the present invention. The retrofit procedure 1010 iscarried out on-site for an existing non-electronic billboard 8, in orderto retrofit or convert the billboard 8 into a dynamic electronicbillboard 110. The retrofit procedure 1010 involves the following majorsteps:

1. Site preparation to verify that an existing poster board isacceptable to overlay with a digital light emitting diode billboard;

2. Structural frame installation to prepare the existing poster panelsof the billboard 8 for the mounting of a plurality of display or lightemitting diode modules, such the fully weatherized LED display module 14as best seen in FIGS. 8-9;

3. Wire harness and backside power installation for providing the bayarray embodied within each structural frame with a source of data anddirect current electrical power;

4. LED display module installation by providing each individual baywithin the bay array with a display module 14 having dual LED displaypanels; such as LED display panels 14L and 14R respectively as best seenin FIG. 25; and

5. A start up and verify operation for signage content and updating.

Each of these major steps will be described hereinafter in greaterdetail, but for now it will suffice to mention, that after verificationof operation, two important follow on steps are considered part of theretrofit procedure 1010; namely:

6. A preventive maintenance and cleaning process; and

7. An actual maintenance and repair process should repair be required.

These last two steps will be briefly described at the conclusion of thedetailed description of the retrofit process 1010.

The Preparation of the Site for Kit Installation

Referring now to FIG. 19, the retrofit procedure 1010 begins with astart step 1012 and commences to a call site preparation step 1014. Atthe site preparation step 1014, the installation team seeks to verifythat that the existing poster panels of the static billboard 8 areacceptable to be overlaid with an array of LED display modules, such asthe LED display module 14. In this regard, the team proceeds from step1014 (FIG. 19) to a site preparation process 2010, as best seen in FIG.20.

Considering the site preparation process 2010 in greater detail withreference to FIG. 20, the process begins at a start step 2014, andproceeds to an inspection step 2026. At the inspection step 2026, theinstallation team conducts a visual inspection of the existing posterpanels, such as a poster panel 9. A poster panel 9 may from time to timehereinafter be referred to as poster board(s), which phrase stems backto the time when static billboards were constructed of wood instead ofsheets of metal as used in construction today. There is no intention oflimiting the installation of the retrofit kit 10 to billboards or posterboards as the retrofit kit 10 is constructed to be installed on any typeof structural planar back panel constructed of any suitable structuralmaterial in accordance with local building codes. In this regard, whenthe word “billboard” or “poster board” is used herein it is intended tobe inclusive of any type of structural planar back panel.

During the inspection step 2026 the installation team addresses areas ofthe sheet metal poster panels which may be broken, bent or damaged inany way. The surface of each poster panel 9 is also inspected to makecertain the surface is substantially flat and uniform as possible tofacilitate the proper mounting and installation of each hand mountablestructural frame 12 forming part of the retrofit kit 10. In addressingthese areas the installation team will remove any vinyl or paper leftover from old static paper panel images. The team will further clean thesurface of the billboard panels of any unwanted materials.

Once, the visual inspection step 2026 has been completed at adetermination step 2038, the installation team proceeds to a powerinspect and verification step 2040. If it is determined, that inspectionis not completed at step 2038, the team returns to step 2026 andcontinues as described earlier. Continuing then, at verification step2040, the team begins by simply determining that the billboard site isprovided with acceptable 2-phase, 240 VAC 40 amp power or 2-phase, 120VAC, 80 amp power. It should be understood that when other input poweris provided, for example, when the billboard 110 is being installedoutside of the United States where the countries power is somethingdifferent from the standard U.S. power sources, a power converter 49(FIG. 26) may be installed at an install power converter step 2044 toprovide a rectified power source for the billboard 110. In this regard,the billboard system of the present invention is a universal powersystem fully capable of using any available power source in the world.

After inspection of available power, the team proceeds to a verificationstep 2042 so the team can mark on its installation checkout list (notshown) that proper power has been verified. If proper power has not beenverified the team will either install a power converter 49 at theinstall step 2044 or take whatever other corrective action is necessaryto assure that proper power is available. Once there is a determinationof the availability of acceptable power at a determination step 2042,the installation team follows a safety procedure while working withelectrically components by turning the power off at a main circuitbreaker and then provides the circuit breaker with a lock out tag out inaccordance with local safety regulations. Next the team disconnects anylights remaining from the static display site and the associate wiringthat provided power for illuminating the static display billboard withlight. As a final action, a confirmation step 2050 the team takes aphysical inventory to verify that all parts needed as best seen in FIG.2 are available by cross referencing parts to a provided parts list forthe site billboard 8 which is being retrofit or converted.

After the confirmation step 2050 has been completed, the installationteam proceeds by going to a go to step 2084 and follows a checklist at adetermination step 1016 (FIG. 19). At step 1016, the team verifies thatthe site preparation process performed at step 1014 has been completed.If anything has been overlooked, the team returns to the sitepreparation process 1014 and proceeds as described before until the siteis properly prepared. If the site is properly prepared, the installationteam then advances to a call install step 1018 which causes the team toinitiate a structural frame installation process 3010 as best seen inFIG. 21.

The Structural Frame Installation

The structural frame installation process 3010 (FIG. 21) begins at astart step 3014 which prompts the team to begin preparing the posterpanels of the existing billboard 8. This preparation process is bestunderstood with reference to FIG. 3. At the start step 3014, the teamgathers the necessary tools and chalk to do the preparation task. Aftergathering their materials the team advances to a layout step 3018. Atlayout step 3018, the installation team prepares the poster panels 9 ofthe existing static billboard 8 for installation of the structuralframes, such as a structural frame 12. This preparation begins by theinstallation team using a ladder, a plum line, measuring tape and chalk,to lay out a grid pattern 508 (FIG. 3) on the frontside or face of theposter panel billboard 8. This grid pattern 508 will be a visualindication of the size and pattern of the structural frames that will beinstalled on the billboard 8 for its conversion. This begins with theinstallation team finding a horizontal center point of the staticbillboard 8 and then measuring 10 feet to the left of a horizontalcenter point line 514 at the top and bottom of the billboard 8 and thenrunning chalk lines 512T and 512B respectively. The installation teamthen runs a chalk line 513 from the distal ends of lines 512T and 512Bto mark a left lower corner starting point 520 for the installation of astarting structural frame 12. FIG. 3 provides a visual indication of howthe billboard would appear after the first or initial structural frame12 is installed, while FIG. 27 provides a visual indication of how thebillboard would appear after all of the structural frames in the kit 10,have been installed.

Next, during the layout step 3018, the installation team measures thebillboard 8 to find the vertical center point line 516 and thenmeasuring one frame height down on the left and right side of thebillboard 8, they run a chalk line 514 between these two points.

Next, at the layout step 3018, using the above-mentioned referencelines, the installation team lays out the grid pattern 508 using a chalkline to represent the size and pattern of the structural frame. The teamthen verifies the grid measurement by measuring the layout diagonally ata verification step 3024 via a pair of corner to corner diagonal chalklines 522 and 524 respectively. It should be understood that theabove-mentioned measurements are not absolute. They can be shiftedhorizontally and or vertically to avoid issues with the billboardstructure when needed. Should this occur at verification step 3024, theteam returns to step 3018 and proceeds as described earlier; otherwise,the team is ready to advance to the next task.

Once the billboard 8 poster panels have been prepared with the gridlayout 508, the team proceeds to an orientation step 3034 thatfacilitates the unpacking and orienting of the structural frames 12 fromtheir packing pallet for installation on the poster panels of billboard8. In this regard, each structural frame 12 is thin and ultra-light sothe frame 12 can be easily handled and oriented for installation. Tofacilitate proper orientation, it should be noted that the pilot holefeature 64 which is located in the first or bottom row of the structuralbay member array. In this regard, the pilot hole feature 64 furtherfunction as a visual indicator for where the bottom of each structuralframe 12 is disposed. As will be explained hereinafter in greaterdetail, when the frames are laid out on the panels 9, the pilot holefeature 64 will also be disposed in either a bottom row of thestructural bay members indicated generally at 168 (FIG. 27) or in amiddle row of structural bay members indicated generally at 16M whenconsidered as part of the total frame array 30.

The pilot feature 64 also then provides an indication to theinstallation team of which side of a frame 12 goes up and which side ofthe frame is facing the frontside, since the pilot feature 64 will alsobe disposed on the left side of the structural frame when it is disposedfacing toward the frontside of the billboard 8. During this unpack andorient step 3034, the installation team also designates ahead of timewhich structural frames will be on a lower row of the grid layout andwhich structural frames will be on an upper row of the grid layout. Thisadvance determination is made because it will determine where the uniquechimney vent structures, such as a chimney vent cover 90, as best seenin FIG. 29, will be installed within a structural frame 12 prior to theindividual structural frames 12 being mounted to the poster panels 9 ofthe billboard 8. When the installation team has completed the unpackingstep a determination is made at a verification step 3040 that all thenecessary parts are available to complete installation. The process thenproceeds to a chimney vent installation step 3054.

At the chimney vent installation step 3054, the installation teaminstalls each individual chimney vent cover 90 either in a topstructural frame area or in a bottom structural frame area of the so theinstalled vent cover 90 functions to cap each chimney vent ingress oregress channels 91 relative to all lower frame horizontal surfaces andall upper frame surfaces as best seen in FIGS. 6-7 for example. Eachchimney vent cover 90 is provided with a plurality of perforations, suchas a perforation 90P as best seen in FIG. 29, which is sufficientlysmall to prevent environmental debris such as leaves from clogging thefree air venting system created between the existing billboard 8 posterpanels and the structural frames 12 mounted thereon. The chimney ventcovers 90 also prevent birds and other small animals as well as insectpests from entering and nesting in the cooling channels of the ventingsystem, such as the cooling channel 91 (FIG. 7).

Once the chimney vent covers 90 have been inserted into respective onesof the structural frames 12 at step 3054, the installation team beginsthe actual installation of the structural frames relative to the posterpanels 9 at a align first frame step 3066. During this step 3066, theinstallation team takes the first frame 12 and starting on the bottomleft hand corner of the grid layout 508, the bottom left corner of theframe 12 is positioned at the bottom left corner 520 of the grid chalklines so the bottom of the frame 12 and the left side of the frame fallsin alignment with the left side grid chalk line 513 and the bottom gridchalk line 512B. When the frame 12 is aligned, a member of theinstallation team screws a self-drilling screw, such as Tek screw 92 asbest seen in FIG. 23 into a top mounting hole, a middle mounting holeand a bottom mounting hole on the frame 12, each hole being identifiedin general as a mounting hole 93 for a self-drilling screw 92. Ifnecessary, these top, middle and bottom mounting screws 92 can berepositioned to other mounting holes 93 on the frame 12 in order toavoid seams in the billboard 8 structure. Four Tek of self-drillingscrews 92 are utilized to secure the first frame 12 to the poster board8. For clarity purpose, not all of the mounting holes 93 have beenidentified with reference characters, but their locations within theframe 12 can be clearly seen in FIG. 23. Similarly only two of theself-drilling screws 92 are shown in FIG. 23 for clarity purposes. Itshould also be noted that in lieu of self-drilling screws other forms ofsecuring devices are contemplated such as rivet 92 and rivet nuts 92Afor securing the structural frame to a planar structure.

After the first frame 12 is secured to the poster panel 9, theinstallation team will install the next structural frame 12 to theimmediate right of the first frame 12. In this regard, a set of dovetailjoints (FIG. 27), such as a set of side frame dovetail joints 84 and aset of bottom frame dovetail joints 86, facilitate a quick and easy,frame 12 to frame 12 alignment processes. Each individual one of thedovetail joints includes a dovetail alignment tab 94 (FIGS. 4-5) and adovetail alignment tab slot 96 (FIGS. 6-7) which is adapted to receivethe tab 94 extending from an adjacent frame or in this case, the secondframe 12. This dovetail arrangement of tab to tab slot alignment assuresthat the second frame is properly aligned with the first frame and isready to be secured in place. It should be noted that the two framesmust be flush to one another for proper installation. The second frame12 is then secured to the poster board 9 using the Tek screws 92provided in the retrofit kit 10. In short then, the second frame 12 isdovetailed in perfect alignment with the first frame 12. This dovetailprocess is then repeated until all of the structural frames as outlinedin the grid have been installed in the bottom row. It should be notedthat when the individual frames 12 are secured to the poster panels 9 ofthe billboard 8, a substantially airtight fit is created between theircontacting surfaces, which in turn creates a pair of self-cooling airchannel columns or conduits, such as the air channel column indicatedgenerally at 91 as best seen in FIG. 23. As already noted, and as bestseen in FIG. 7. Prior to installing a frame 12 against the billboard 8poster panels, each of the air channel columns 91 are capped withchimney vent covers 90 as hereinbefore described. In this manner, thecovers 90 cannot be removed, once the structural frame 12 is secured tothe billboard 8 poster panels.

When the bottom row of structural frame members 12 has been installed;the installation team verifies that all the frames are in alignment andlined up with the chalk lines and are substantially level. Once thealignment of the bottom row of frames has been determined, theinstallation team installs the top row of frames using a substantiallysimilar procedure starting at the top left and proceeding to the topright. After the top row of frames has been installed the installationteam verifies that the bottoms of the top row of frames 12 is flush withthe tops of the bottom row of frames 12 and that the top of the top rowof frames is in alignment with the top chalk line of the laid out grid.If any adjustments are needed, the installation team makes the necessaryadjustments to achieve an array of structural frames which are inperfect alignment with one another.

Next to make certain the frames are securely fastened to the billboard 8so that they may not be dislodged or come loose during windy conditions,the installation team using a standard drill drills secondary holesthrough the billboard steel frame poster panels for each of thestructural frames 12. Nine holes are drilled for each frame 12 and ninebolts, with associated washers and nuts, are utilized to further secureeach frame to the poster panels 9 of billboard 8. The individual bolts112B are torque to 8-inch pounds and are installed at the bottom leftframe corner, the middle left of the frame, the top left corner, the topright corner, the middle right of the frame, and the bottom right cornerof the frame. To facilitate the installation of the mounting bolts eachstructural frame 12 is provided with a set of mounting bolt holes, suchas a mounting bolt hole 112H as best seen in FIG. 4. In order to avoidissues with poster panel 9 structure flaws or conflicts with structuralseams, the structural frame 12 is provided with an excess number of boltmounting holes 112H along its peripheral boundaries. In this regard, theplacement of the bolts can be distributed to other mounting bolt holes112H if needed.

After all the frames have been secured with mounting bolts 112B, andverified that they are properly secured at a determination step 3068. Ifnot properly installed the team returns to step 3066 and continues asdescribed earlier. Otherwise, the installation team proceeds to aninstall bee stops or plug step at 3069, where a set of bee stops, suchas a bee stop plug 98, are installed into each perimeter opening in thestructural frame array 30. The bee stop plugs 98 are an important andunique feature associated with the structural frames 12. In this regard,the slot 97 disposed in the top, bottom, right side and left side of thestructural frame function as wire routing access hole to enable powerand data wires mounted on the various ones of the structural frames 12to pass from one frame to another frame and ultimately to the poweraccess holes 114H and 115H and the data access hole 116H to traverse tothe backside of the billboard 110 for connection to the power and datacontrol system. The hole or slots 97 on the outside walls of thosestructural frames not butted up against the walls of an adjacent frame12 would otherwise be open allow access to bug, insect, wasps, and bees.By closing these access holes with the plugs 98, bees, wasps, hornetsand the like are stopped from entering the frame array 30 and creatingnesting hives behind the display modules mounted to the frontside of thebillboard. This would otherwise create a safety hazard, as a repair ormaintenance team would never know when a display module 14 was unlatchedand removed, whether a hive of bees or hornets would be disposed behindthe module 14. The installation of the bee stops or plugs 98 completelyeliminates this unwanted safety hazard.

With the bee plugs 98 in place, the installation team is now ready tomechanically and electrically couple the frame 12 to a source ofelectrical power. In this regard, the installation process returns todetermination step 1020 via a go to step 3070 (FIG. 21), where the teamverifies that all the structural frames 12, all the chimney vent covers90 and all the required bee stops or plugs 98 have been properlyinstalled and that wiring of the structural frames is now ready to becommenced. If verification is not made at determination step 1020, theprocess returns to the install step 1018 (FIG. 19) and proceeds asdescribed before.

Based on the foregoing, it should be understood by those skilled in theart, that each structural frame is provided with a sufficient number ofboth vertical axis mounting holes and lateral axis mounting holes whichare distributed throughout the structural frame, each mounting holebeing dimensioned for receiving therein a mounting bolt to facilitatesecuring the structural frame to the poster panels 9 of billboard 8 sothat a sufficient mounting force may be applied to the structural frameto substantially eliminate face to face separation of the structuralframe and the poster panel in wind load forces in excess of 100 poundsper square foot. In this regard, the wind force rating applied to theanchored billboard 8 can be matched relative to the frame to posterpanel anchoring arrangement as described herein.

The Wire Harness Installation

From the determination step 1020, the team advances to a call installwire harnesses step 1022 which initiates an install wire harness process4010, as best seen in FIG. 22. The process 4010 begins at a start step4014 which directs the team to a drill access hole step 4018. At step4018, the installation team drills a pair of power access holes 114H and115H in the frame array 30 as indicated in FIG. 17. These access holes114H and 115H are drilled at the pilot features 64 disposed in the6.sup.th row of frames in the frame array 30.

Next at a drill data access hole step 4020, the installation team drillsa two inch data access hole 116H in the frame array 30 as indicated inFIG. 17, again using the pilot feature 64 in the bottom row 16B ofstructural bay members 16. In this regards, the two upper holes, at 114Hand 115H are power access holes because of their close proximity to thepower harnesses 2400HE, while the lower hole 116H is a data access holebecause of its close proximity to the data connection harnesses 2400DCCas best seen in FIG. 17. In short, a total of three holes are drilledinto the frame array 30. It should be noted that the pilot hole feature64, as best seen in FIGS. 4-8 is formed with a small starter hole. Thissmall starter hole is utilized by the installation team as they drillthese larger two inch holes in the frame array 30. This is an importantfeature of the present invention as it prevents the larger two inchdrill from slipping on the structural frame 12, which could not only bea safety hazard, but it could also increase the likelihood that theframe 12 could be damaged.

Next, the installation team at a drill centered holes step 4022, drillsone inch holes through the poster panel steel structure centered withthe two inch holes drilled in steps 4018 and 4020 respectively. Thiswill enable the wire harness installed to the face of the structuralframe array 30 to be coupled to the backside of the billboard 8 to makemechanical and electrical connections with the power and data boxesinstalled on the backside of the billboard 110 as best seen in FIG. 26.

After the holes are drilled as described-above, the installation team ata grommet installation step 4032, install two inch rubber grommets, suchas a rubber grommet 118 as best seen in FIGS. 5 and 7, in each of thethree two inch frame holes 114H, 115H and 116H respectively.

Next, at an install power/data wiring harness step 4044, theinstallation team connects in a specific sequence a set of power/datawiring harnesses, such as the wire harness 2400H. This sequence beginsat the left side of the frame array 30 in the first column indicatedgenerally at 31 in FIG. 14. Referring now to FIGS. 14, 17 and 19, theinstallation team starting with a first connection sequence indicator2401S for a first node or over mold locator 2401 in the power/datawiring harness 2400H to a first power/data node receptacle 350 in thefirst row of structural bay members 16 as best seen in FIG. 28. The teamthen continues to connect each consecutive node locator in the wireharness 2400H into the remaining locations sequentially as follows: asecond connection sequence indicator 2402S for a second node locator2402 to a second power/data node receptacle 350 in the second row ofstructural bay members 16; a third connection sequence indicator 24035for a third node locator 2403 to a third power/data node 350 in thethird row of structural bay members 16; a fourth connection sequenceindicator 24045 for a fourth node locator 2404 to a fourth power/datanode 350 in the fourth row of structural bay members 16; a fifthconnection sequence indicator 24055 for a fifth node locator 2405 to afifth power/data node 350 in a fifth row of structural bay members 16.

As best seen in FIG. 28, two node receptacles 350 and 352 are disposedin the sixth row of structural bay members. Accordingly, the sequencecontinues as follows: a power slice connection sequence indicator 2400PSfor a power splice node locator 2406PS to a power slice node 352 in thesixth row of structural bay members 16; a sixth connection sequenceindicator 24065 for a sixth node locator 2406 to a sixth power/data node350 in the sixth row of structural bay members 16; a seventh connectionsequence indicator 2407S for a seventh node locator 2407 to a seventhpower/data node 350 in the seventh row of structural bay members 16; aneighth connection sequence indicator 24085 for a eighth node locator2408 to an eighth power/data node 350 in an eighth row of structural baymembers 16; a ninth connection sequence indicator 2409S for an ninthnode locator 2409 to an ninth power/data node 350 in the ninth row ofstructural bay members 16; a tenth connection sequence indicator 2410Sfor a tenth node locator 2410 to a tenth power/data node 350 in a tenthrow of structural bay members 16. This process is then repeated on acolumn by column basis from the first column 31, to a second column 32,to a third column 33, to a fourth column 34, to a fifth column 35, to asixth column 36, to a seventh column 37, to an eighth column 38, to aninth column 39, to a tenth and final column 40, until all of thestructural frames 12 in the billboard array 30 have been mechanicallyconnected to their power/data wire harnesses as best seen in FIG. 14.Although this installation sequence has been described as proceedingfrom the bottom of a column to the top of a column, it should beunderstood by those skilled in the art, that a reverse sequence could beequally utilized going from the top of a column to the bottom of acolumn.

It should be noted, that with reference to the installation step 4044,the structural frame 12 is provided with a plurality of wire routingfeatures including a data connection wire routing feature 307, a leftside data connection wiring feature 308, a power/data harness wirerouting feature 309, a right side connection wire routing feature 310and a central data connection wiring routing feature 311 as best seen inFIG. 4. Each of these wire routing features 307-311 will be describedhereinafter in greater detail. For the moment however, it will sufficeto mention that the position or location of the wire routing features307-311 within the structural frame 12 is an important feature of thepresent invention. For example the wiring features 309 are arranged in acolumn in a spaced apart manner relative to the power data receptacles350 and 352 respectively. In this regard, the power/data harness 2400Has it nodes 2400-2410 are snapped or pressed into their respectivereceptacles, the harness wires extended between pairs of nodes use thehook engaging under-over-under or the over-under-over technique witheach routing feature 309 to firmly secure the power/data harness 2400Hto the structural frame 12.

Accordingly, it should be understood by those skilled in the art, thatthese features are important as they enable an installation team memberto quickly route all the preformed wire assemblies, such as the datajumper wire assembly 2400J, the data connection wire assembly 2400DC andthe power/data wire harness 2400H through the various ones of thestructural frames in the frame array 30 by an under/over/under orover/under/over hook engagement process so that these wire assemblies2400DC, 2400H, and 2400J respectively, do not separate from theirassembly structures. Most importantly however, they wire assemblies2400DC, 2400H and 2400J become seated in fixed protected locationswithin the frame array 30 and properly secured so that they arenon-interfering with the mounting of the display modules 14 and aresufficiently protected from being accidentally damaged during thedisplay module installation process. Such efficiency and safety featuresare unique and novel in the use of the retrofit kit 10. As these uniquestructures of a nodes, wire guide securing structures and paired setsand plural sets of mounting or securing hooks 42-43 respectively arerepeated in the construction of each structural frame 12, they will bedescribed in greater detail hereinafter but only with a limiteddiscussion.

Considering now in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 23, thepaired sets of mounting hooks 42, the paired set includes an upper hook42A and a lower hook 42B. The plural set of hooks 43 includes threeL-shaped hooks 43A, 43B, and 43C respectively. Each hook member, such asthe hook member 42A and 43A for example, is configured in generally anL-shape configuration to block slippage of a group of wires therefromand thus, helping to facilitate the repeated fastening steps ofunder/over/under or over/under/over for securing the preformed wireassemblies 2400DC, 2400H, and 2400J respectively to the structural frame12.

Continuing now with the installation process 1010, as best seen in FIG.22, the installation team proceeds to a verify decision step 4045, wherethe installation team verifies that all node locators have beeninstalled and are properly seated in their respective power/data nodesor receptacles 350 and 352 respectively and that the harness 2400H isproperly secured to the structural frame 12 via the wiring routingfeatures 309. This step 4045 includes routing the individual Molexconnector plugs 2400HM associated with each power/data harness 2400H totheir respective cable plug stations or daughter board cut out areasindicated generally at 330 in the structural frame 12 as best seen inFIGS. 5 and 28. When the connector 2400HM is so positioned it is allowto freely hanging in this area where it will be available for connectionto a display module, during the display module installation procedure(FIG. 19) that will be described hereinafter in greater detail. Moreparticularly, by allowing the harness connector 2400HM to freely hang,the process facilitates their quick and easy connection to a displaymodule 14 when a display module 14 is ready to be seated within anassociated structural bay member 16. The installation team also routethe free power wire ends of the harnesses, indicated generally at2400HE, using the wire routing features 308, 310, and 311 located in the6.sup.th row of the structural frame array 30, to their closest poweraccess holes 114H or 115H respectively. When the power wires 2400 HE arerouted to their respective access holes 114H and 115H, the teamcontinues routing them to the backside of the billboard 8 for connectionto their respective junction boxes as will be described hereinafter ingreater detail.

After making this verification at step 4045, the wire harnessinstallation process 4010, then proceeds to an install inter-connectingdata jumper cable step 4047. In this regard, the installation teaminterconnects the data harness wiring using a data jumper cable, such asa data jumper cable 2400J as best seen in FIG. 24A. More specifically,the installation team connects the data jumper cables 2400J in aspecific data coupling sequence that establish inter-connected datatransfer paths as best seen in FIGS. 14 and 17.

The data coupling sequence begins by a team member connecting a firstdata jumper cable 2400J between the structural frame bay members of afirst column 31 (FIG. 14) in the structural frame array 30 with thestructural frame bay members of a second column 32 in the structuralframe array 30 as best seen in FIG. 30. More specifically, a first datajumper cable connector 2400J1 of jumper cable 2400J is connected to afirst data jumper cable connector 2400DJC of the power data wiringharness 2400H in the first column 31. Then, a second data jumperconnector 2400J2 of jumper cable 2400 J is connected to a first datajumper connector 2400DJC of the power data wiring harness 2400 H in thesecond column 32. It should be understood by those skilled in the art,that the interconnecting cable 2400JC has a sufficient length to extendfrom one column to another column of power data wiring harnesses 2400H,such as between the first column 31 and the second column 32.

Next, the installation team connects a second jumper cable 2400J betweenthe structural frame bay members in a third column 33 in the structuralframe array 30 with the structural frame bay members of a fourth column34 in the structural frame array.

Next, the installation team connects a third jumper cable 2400J betweenthe structural frame bay members in a fifth column 35 in the structuralframe array 30 with the structural frame bay members of a sixth column36 in the structural frame array.

Next, the installation team connects a fourth jumper cable 2400J betweenthe structural frame bay members in a seventh column 37 in thestructural frame array with the structural frame bay members of a eighthcolumn 38 in the structural frame array 30.

Next, the installation team connects a fifth jumper cable 2400 betweenthe structural frame bay members in a ninth column 39 in the structuralframe array 30 with the structural frame bay members of a tenth column40 in the structural frame array 30.

After all five (5) of the data jumper cables have been installed, theinstallation team then proceeds to an interconnection step 4048 (FIG.22), where the team using data connection cables, such as the dataconnection cable 2400DC as best seen in FIG. 24B, initiates the processof installing the data connection cables, such as a data connectioncable 2400DC as best seen in FIG. 24, to the structural frame 12. Moreparticularly, these cables are routed in the bottom row 16B of thestructural bay members. In this regard, the team interconnects the firstcolumn 31 of wire harness locations 1-11 to a first data connectionconnector 2400DCJ1. Then the team interconnects the second column 32 ofwire harness locations 21 to 31 to a second data connection connector2400DCJ1. The free end plug 2400DCT and the cable wiring 2400DCC is thenrouted along the bottom row of structural bay members using the wiringrouting features 308, 310 and 311 to route the free end plug to the dataaccess hole 116H. This process is repeated for the remaining thirdthrough tenth columns 33-40 respectively. All the power and data wiringharness free ends are routed through their respective power access holes114H and 115H as well as the data access hole 116H allowing the free endto extend to the backside of the billboard 8.

Next, after the power data wire securing and routing has been completed,as best seen in FIG. 22, the installation team proceeds to an installjunction box step 4050, where the team installs a pair of lockablejunction boxes 46 and 47 respectively on the backside of the billboard 8as best seen in FIG. 26.

After completing installation of the junction boxes 46-47, theinstallation team, at an attach step 4056 attaches one hanger bracket toeach junction box with bolts and nuts, and then runs each wire harnessthrough an associated cord grip on the backside of each junction box.The team then levels the hanger bracket and secures it to the billboardsteel over the feed hole used for the wire harness. This step isrepeated for both junction boxes.

Next, the installation team proceeds to an install power data controllerenclosure step 4060, where the team installs a lockable power datacontroller enclosure or box 48 between the junction boxes 46-47, so thatconduit paths 46C and 47C respectively may be run from the junctionboxes 46 and 47 to the power enclosure box 48 as best seen in FIG. 26.The power data controller box 48 may be hoisted into place for mountingto the backside of the billboard 8, using a hand hoist or the like or inthe alternative it may simply be lifted into place by the installationteam and mounted.

Continuing, the team next at an attach step 4062, attaches one hangerbracket to on power/controller enclosure using a four bolt/nutarrangement. The team then levels the hanger bracket and secures it tothe billboard as best seen in FIG. 26 with six Tek screws into the ribsof the billboard steel. Next the team secures the two bottom attachmentpoints first than the two outer top points before removing the centerattachment from the winch or hoist.

Proceeding, the installation team at an install light sensor arrangementstep 4064, installs a light sensor box with an associated light sensordevice arrangement 50 disposed at the top portion of the billboard 8 asbest seen in FIG. 26.

Next at a measurement conduit runs step 4066, the installation teammeasures the distance between the junction boxes 46 and 47, thepower/controller enclosure 48, the main circuit breaker box (not shown),the mounting position of the light sensor junction box and to thebillboard panel where the data cable harness will be routed, whileaccounting for any bends necessary. The team: then cuts conduit tubingfor each run making certain to clean the edges of the cut conduit toremove any burrs or sharp edges or points. Holes are then knocked out ineach of the enclosures in appropriate locations for a set of conduitruns 46C, 47C, 48C, 50C, 52C and 54C respectively as best seen in FIG.26. It is anticipated that in certain installations flexiblenon-metallic liquid tight conduit may be utilized.

Each piece of conduit is then installed between each section in aninstall conduit step 4068. In this regard, conduit must be secured withconduit clamps at regular intervals for the suggested layout. It shouldbe noted that all conduit connections are water proof.

Once the conduit strings 460, 47C, 500, 52C and 54C respectively areattached and connected, the team at a pull and connect step 4070, pullall the wire harnesses through the conduit strings or runs between thebillboard and the power/controller enclosure. Once the wires are pulledthe installation team begins to connect the wire harness into the databoard (not shown) in the power/data controller enclosure or box,indicated generally at 48 as best seen in FIG. 26.

The team then pulls all necessary power cables (not shown) through theconduit run between the power/data enclosure 48 and a universal powersource 49. A one inch hole is then punched in order to mount thewireless antenna (not shown) to the power/controller box 48. The teamthen connects the wireless antenna (not shown) to the cellular router.

A single gang weatherproof conduit box forming part of the light sensorbox arrangement 50 is then assembled to the top of the light sensorconduit 50C running to the light sensor location. The team then pullsall necessary wires from the power/controller enclosure 48 to thejunction box 47 for the light sensor arrangement 50. The wires are cutto length and terminate to the appropriately labeled terminal block inthe power/controller enclosure 48. Wire terminations to the light sensorarrangement 50 is shown in Table II:

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE II Red wire Terminal A Blue wire Terminal B Whitewire Terminal C Green wire GroundA single gang weatherproof raised cover (not shown) is then attached tothe single gang weatherproof conduit box forming part of the lightsensor arrangement 50 using provided screws from the kit 10.

The team then pulls two 18 AWG, one 2 AWG and two 1 AWG cables throughthe conduit between the power/controller enclosure 48 and each of thejunction boxes 46 and 47. Cable is cut to length after the pull andterminated to the appropriately labeled terminal blocks. Wire harnessesare also cut to length and terminate in each junction box to itsappropriately labeled terminal block.

The team following written safety procedures makes certain that the mainpower is off at the main source. They then terminate power cables atthis power source and at power supply. At a startup step 4072, mainpower is turned on and voltages are tested at all output points asmatched in Table III:

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE III Output at wire harness 27 V DC Output at wirerun to light sensor 5 V DC

Finally, main power is turned off and lock out tag out is effected,which completes the wire harness installation process at an end step4080 (FIG. 22), which returns the installation process 1010 back to adetermination step 1024 (FIG. 19) where the installation team verifiesthat all the power/data harnesses 2400H, all the data jumper cables2400J and all the data connector cables 2400DC are installed andproperly connected. If any correction is needed the team returns to theinstall step 1022 and proceeds as described previously: otherwise theteam goes to an install display modules step 1026.

After verification that all the wire harnesses and power data wiring ofthe system have been installed, the installation process 1010 advancesto the install display modules step 1026 (FIG. 19). Step 1026 starts theLED tile or display module installation process indicated generally at5010 as best seen in FIG. 15.

The install display module process 5010 (FIG. 15) begins at a start step5014. From the start step 5014, the installation team proceeds to anunlatch step 5020 where the team unlatches all of the structural baylatch assemblies, such as a latch assembly 412 (FIG. 30). It iscontemplated that all latches may be unlatched at the factory where thestructural frames are assembled, so this step may be omitted.

When all the latches have been unlatched, a verification process isinitiated at a verify step 5030. Once all latches have been verified tobe unlatched, the process 5010 proceeds to an install display modulesequence step 5040. In this regard, a member of installation teamproceeds to install a first display module in the first structural bay.This process is repeated. That is, the team starts with location 1 andcontinues through location 100. Modules are not numbered and can beinstalled in any location and in any order. Therefore there is nointention of limiting the installation process to the sequence asdescribed herein. Installation of a display module 14 is simplified byusing a suitable lanyard (not shown) attached to the LED tile 14. Thelanyard is optionally used to secure the tile 14 while makingconnections with the data power connector 2400HM available at that baylocation 330. Using the lanyard to hold an LED the 14 in place, theinstaller plugs the wire harness power data connector 2400HM into thedaughter board module data power connector 27. Then lanyard is thendisconnected as the display module 14 is now supported by the power/dataharness 2400H. Then, the installer aligns the receptacle-like alignmentfeatures 14AR and 14CAR respectively on the backside of the displaymodule 14 so they can receive the post-like alignment features 60AR and60ARC extending out in the z-axis within the structural bay member 16.When aligned, the installer simply slides the posts 60AR and 60ARC(FIGS. 4-5) into the receptacles 14AR and 14CAR (FIG. 34), as the tile14 is pushed into place in a tight-fit within the structural frame array30.

As best seen in FIGS. 4-5, 23 and 34, each display module 14 is providedwith an LED seating wall 350 which extends about the outer peripheralboundary on the backside of the LED frame 201. The wall 350 includes lowwall portions, such as a low wall portion 251 as well as high wallportions, such as a high wall portion 252. The low wall portions 251 andthe high wall portions 252 are dimensioned to be received in a tight fitin a set of Z-axis slots 712 (as best seen in FIG. 23), which slots 712are disposed in each structural bay member 16. The height of the seatingwall 250 function to define a stop, which prevents the display module 14from being further seated rearwardly within a structural bay member 16.In short when the distal end of the seating wall 250 makes contact withthe base of the receiving slots 712 (FIGS. 4-5, and 23) it provides aphysical indication to the installer that the display module 14 inprocess of being installed has been properly seated. The installer thenonly needs to proceed by latching removably the display module withinits associated structural bay member 16. In this regard, using a oneT-handled 5/32″ Hex wretch, each latch within the associated structuralbay member 16 is then turned one quarter anti-clockwise turn to securethe display module 14 within the structural frame array 30. This processis repeated until all the display modules 14 have been installed in thearray 30. The module installation process 5010 ends at an end step 5050.From the end step 5050, the installation process 1010 returns to theverification step 1028 as best seen in FIG. 19 to verify that alldisplay modules have latched into place. Once verification has beenaccomplished the team is ready to start up the billboard 110.

The Start Up Procedure

The team is now ready to engage the startup process at a startup step1030, where the team performs the following tasks: (1) they remove andclear all debris from power cabinet and Junction boxes; (2) the checkfor exposed wires; (3) they make certain that all connections aresecure; (4) they turn on switches to AC supply, power enclosure andjunction boxes in that order; (5) they refer to product user manual forfull commissioning procedure; (6) they check for initial color balance;(7) they contact the media center to upload content to be tested; andfinally (8) they verify for proper alignment of images. This process iscompleted at a verification step 1032.

Repair and Preventive Maintenance Considerations

In completing the conversion and installation process, the team performsa quick preventive maintenance process if needed. In this regard, theprocess advances to a preventive maintenance check step 1034. If nopreventive maintenance is needed the teams verifies that preventivemaintenance has been completed at a verify step 1038. If at check step1034 a determination is made that preventive maintenance needs to beperformed the process advances to a clean display module panel step 1036so the face of each display modules 16 is cleaned and so logged. Theface of the sign needs to be cleaned every six months. A log isestablished to make certain the team returns perform this cleaningprocess. Over time the LEDs will degrade and change color. When thisoccurs it will cause a visible checker board effect when replacingmodules. In this regard, when replacing modules the installation/repairteam needs to replace modules in the middle of the sign trying to swapmodules from the bottom of the display first. In this regard, replacingmodules at the bottom of the module array with newer modules is done sothe brighter modules will be less noticeable. The installation team,using a web interface can color balance the display modules 8 in orderto match colors with the older modules. When the preventive maintenancehas been completed, the team proceeds to verify that all neededpreventative maintenance step have been performed at the verificationstep 1038.

Next at a determination step 1040, the team determines whether thebillboard 110 needs any repairs. If repairs are needed the teams makesthe repairs at a repair step 1042, and verifies at a repair completedstep 1044 that all repairs have been made. If repairs are still neededthe team returns to step 1042 and continues as previously described. Ifall repairs have been completed and verified, the team has completed theinstallation of billboard 110 using the retrofit kit 10 and the processends at an end step 1046 as best seen in FIG. 26.

Sectional Digital Sign, Sign Section Assembly and Kits for Retrofitting

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 35-37,there is illustrated an electronic sign or billboard 8010 which isconstructed in accordance with the present invention. The electronicbillboard or sign 8010, is assembled and constructed utilizing a uniquesectional sign assembly and installation kit 1210 (FIG. 42) inaccordance with a novel method of retrofitting or assembling 1110 (FIGS.43-44) as hereinafter disclosed. In short, by use of the assembly andinstallation kit 1210, a static non-electronic billboard 8, as best seenin FIG. 3; is transformed or converted into a dynamic electronicbillboard 8010 (FIG. 35) that greatly improves displayed information,such as advertising information, with improved resolution, contrast,scalable advertising and brightness characteristics.

As will be discussed hereinafter in greater detail the electronic sign8010 is constructed utilizing pre-wired sign section assemblies that arepre-assembled in an assembly line manner at a designated factorylocation using a factory assembly method 1110A (FIG. 43A-B) and thenshipped to an installation site. Upon arriving at the installation sitealong with other component parts for the construction of the electronicsign 8010, a team of two people or even a single installer, with asimple hoist, a ladder, a drill, a skill saw, a hammer and a screwdriveris able to quickly and easily convert an existing static(non-electronic) roadside or building billboard 8 into a high-techdigital billboard 8010 regardless of location. In this regard, theinstallation team utilizes a unique and novel field installationassembly method 1110B (FIG. 43) to accomplish such an installation. Inthis regard, the kit 1210 may be applied to construct rooftop signs,inside building signs, hung signs (i.e. hung from the underside of acatwalk), building wall mounted signs or pole mounted signs. Thesimplicity of the design enables the digital billboard 8010 constructedin accordance with the present invention, to be utilized in a footballstadium during the football season, and then if desired, disassembledand moved to a baseball stadium and re-assembled for billboard displaypresentations during the baseball season. Portability and easy ofassembly and disassembly are unique and important novel features of thepresent invention.

Considering now the electronic sign or billboard 8010 in greater detailwith reference to FIGS. 35-37, the electronic sign 8010 has aconstruction which is similar to the electronic sign 10 as describedherein earlier except, that in order to effect greater efficiency infield installation and retrofitting of existing static signs (or evenolder electronic signs with display module plug-in to foundationalsupport capabilities\s), much of the electronic sign 8010 is factorypre-assembled in one or more sections. In this regard, the retrofit kit1210 (FIG. 42), as will be explained hereinafter in greater detail,generally includes a factory assembly kit portion 1210A (FIG. 42A) and afield assembly kit portion 1210B (FIG. 42B), where the factory assemblyportion 1210A facilitates factory construction and assembly of thosevarious component parts which become part of the field assembly kitportion 1210B. For now, it will suffice to mention that the fieldassembly kit portion 1210B for construction of the billboard sign 8010(FIG. 38) generally includes a plurality of substantially identicalpre-wired sign section assemblies, such as an individual sign sectionassembly 9010 (FIG. 35) that is field ready to be loaded with displaymodules, such as the display module 14, and then mechanically coupled toa foundational support, such as to the poster board(s) or planarpanel(s) or an existing sign support structure 1410 (FIG. 38B).

Although the individual sign section assembly 9010 may be shipped fromthe factory without being loaded with display modules 14, it is fullycontemplated that such an assembly 9010 may also be shipped fully loadedwith display modules to help further reduce field installation time. Inthis regard, when the sign section 9010 is mentioned herein it is to beunderstood that for clarity of showing certain features of the assembly9010, such as wiring harnesses for example, it may be shown with orwithout display modules, and with or without other field installedcomponents.

It should also be mentioned that although it was stated that the fieldassembly kit 1210B generally includes a plurality of substantiallyidentical pre-wired sign section assemblies, such as the sign sectionassembly 9010, variations in manufacturing processes contemplatedifferent types of construction without departing from the true scopeand spirit of the present invention. For example a sheathing materialutilized in the construction of the assembly 9010 may be flat (9017) orrolled (9023). When, as well be explained hereinafter in greater detail,a rear access sign section assembly 9110 is provided, the sheathingmaterial utilized is a sheathing 9117 that is provided with access hole.Moreover, different types of fasteners 1508 as well as different typesof mounting hardware may be employed and shown in the drawings likehanger brackets 1505 and hanger dips 1514 which perform the samefunction. Such variations as these may or may not be mentionedhereinafter in greater detail as it is appreciated that those skilled inthe art of electronic signs will have a good understanding of whichtypes of fasteners or which type of hangers for example, will best suitan installation situation.

The pre-wired sign section assembly 9010 is also field ready to beelectrically coupled to a source of universal power much in the samemanner as was described herein earlier with regard to the retrofit kit10. However, unlike the retrofit kit 10 that required wire harnesses tobe field installed to associated structural frames, such harness tostructural frame installation is accomplished in the factory byutilization of the sectional sign assembly and installation kit 1210using its different portions; namely, the factory assembly portion 1210A(FIG. 42A) and the field installation assembly portion 1210B (FIG. 42B).Accordingly, since harness to frame installation is accomplished in thefactory, field installation and retrofit time is greatly reduce. For thepurpose of simplicity hereinafter whenever a component part describedhereinafter is substantially similar to a component part that wasdescribed earlier, like reference characters will be utilized toidentify such a component part.

Also for purpose of simplicity, only a single pre-wired sign sectionassembly will be described hereinafter, namely the pre-wired signsection assembly 9010. However, it should be understood that factoryassembly of different sized pre-wired sign section assemblies is fullycontemplated by the present invention in order to accommodate differenttypes of sign constructions. For example, reference may be made to FIGS.47A-D which illustrate the following different constructions:

1. A small half poster height board sign 8010A that utilizes a singlecolumn structural frame construction (5′ H by 2′ W) with an array ofbays for supporting five display modules therein, where the bays areconfigured in a M by N arrangement where M equals one and N equals five;

2. A medium half poster height board sign 80108 that utilizes a fullsize or double column structural frame construction (5′ H by 4′ W) withan array of bays for supporting ten display modules therein, where thebays are configured in a M by N arrangement where M equals two and Nequals five;

3. A poster height board sign 8010C that utilizes a stacked doublecolumn structural frame construction (10′ 5″ H by 20′ 10″ W) with anarray of bays for supporting twenty display modules therein, where thebays are configured in a M by N arrangement where M equals two and Nequals ten; deliverable on a low boy trailer as the assembled sign 8010Cdoes not exceed the maximum height for road transportation absence aspecial transportation permit;

4. A junior bulletin board sign 8010D that utilizes a stacked structuralframe construction (11′ H by 30′ W) with an array of bays for supportingdisplay modules therein, where the bays are configured in a M by Narrangement deliverable on a double wide low boy trailer as theassembled sign 8010D does not exceed the maximum height for roadtransportation absence a special transportation permit; and

5. A super bulletin board sign (not shown) that utilizes a stackedstructural frame construction of approximately 14′ H by 48′ W, with anarray of bays for supporting hundreds of display modules therein, wherethe bays are configured in a M by N arrangement where M equals 48 and Nequals 13; deliverable in sections and hoisted into place.

From the foregoing, it should be understood that the height and width ofthe sectional system is flexible ranging from individual sections thatare only one structural bay wide (2 feet) to sections that are only onebay tall (1 foot) to larger sections as needed for the different typesof sign configurations. Moreover, it should be understood thatstructural frames are composed of structural foam and may be cut toallow a specific construction to be achieved. Because of this unique andnovel modularity associated with structural frames and resulting signs,only a single example of assembly or retrofitting will be describedhereinafter it being understood that the kits and methods may bemodified by those skilled in the art to construct or retrofit signs ofdifferent heights and widths without departing from the true scope andspirit of the present invention.

Before discussing this specific example, it may be beneficial to brieflyconsider some of the many advantages that can be achieved with thepresent invention as will be explained hereinafter in greater detail.

Firstly, the electronic sign or billboard 8010 utilizes a power/datadistribution satellite hub scheme where direct current power is set to asingle compound structural frame as best seen schematically in FIGS. 36,37 and 51. Using this approach, the heat producing components of thepower system are separated and spaced from the control system, so theaccumulation of heat at about the control location is greatly reduced.This in turn means less component degradation, greater component life,and the ability to select components with reduced operating temperaturespecification requirement.

Secondly, the satellite hub scheme enables backside to frontside lowvoltage coupling to the individual display modules 14 to reside at eachhub location allowing wiring to gain access through existing compoundstructural frame cutout features without the need of making specialpunch throughs. This unique hub arrangement further provides theadvantage of the utilization of standardize power/data wiring harnesseswhere each harness is provided with the same length, and wire gaugefeature to facilitate ease in mechanical and electrical coupling suchharnesses to an associated compound structural frame wire routingfeatures and display module coupling features. This unique data/powerdistribution scheme promotes user safety as all high voltage AC is tothe rear of the sign and with only a low voltage DC being provided onthe front side of the sign at the display module level. In short, thereis no need to disconnect the sign from its AC power source when removingor replacing the display modules.

Thirdly, the unique method of using a combination factory assembly andfield installation kit to provide the sectional sign assembly 9010 thatfacilitates factory assembly with a flat table top or work bench jig1310 (FIG. 39) so that each pre-wired sign section assembly 9010 iseasily and quickly assembled laid flat on the work bench. By utilizationof vertical structural member formed of rolled or sheet metal oraluminum, such vertical structural members (1) can be easily cut to sizefor a given sectional sign assembly being formed; (2) be utilized toprovide structural support to the resulting pre-wired sign sectionassembly; and (3) can be used in combination with the structural frameor beam support (horizontal and vertical beams) configuration of anexisting sign installation site allowing this combination to support theresulting pre-wired sign section assembly, which in turn makes theresulting sign structure more easily compliant with local sign structureregulations.

Fourthly, by providing the vertical structural members with rivet nutsand by using bolts pre-coated with Loktite® glue to pass though selectedones of the existing mounting holes in the preformed compound structuralframe, a compound structural frame can be easily and quickly installedfrom its frontside only to the vertical structural members, resulting inan improved build process with reduced human error.

Fifthly, by forming a pre-wired sign section assembly with an overalldepth dimension of about five inches (3 inches for the compoundstructural frame and 2 inches for the vertical support member) theoverall size of the sign section is optimized for not only shipping andstorage, but also for installation. Such a small depth dimension alsogreatly reduced or completely eliminated potential encroachment issuesat installation sites. The following advantages are should also bederived from this small depth dimension: (1) the protrusion/z axismeasurement is less than that of a poster panel vinyl product andapproximately equal to that of a super bulletin board vinyl sign(14.times.48′) means no encroachment issues when retrofitting from theseother types of signs to a digital sign constructed in accordance withthe present invention. Such encroachment issues are common when outdoorcompanies purchase cabinet type products with twice or more depthdimension than that of the present invention. The small depth dimensionalso means there is a smaller possibility of an air space encroachmentissue as well.

Sixthly, the pre-wired sign section assembly of the present inventionhas, even when stacked, such a small height, width, depth profile, thatshipping to an installation site by regular truck/trailer without theneed of special road permits and the like. Moreover, the shippedsectional product can be transported by land, sea or air withoutencountering any transportation size or permit issues. Traditionalcabinet type outdoor signs require a 54′ flatbed trailer to be hired inorder to deliver two six feet to eight feet tall sections to aninstallation site. This is expensive, time consuming and typically needsto be outsourced. The present pre-wired sign has height flexibilityallowing sections to be formed that can be transported usingconventional transportation processes.

Finally, because of the light weight sign sections, access and stagingfor onsite installation is greatly reduced or minimized. In short,shipping, handling, and storage using basic winches, forklifts, palletjacks and like equipment is all possible.

As will be explained hereinafter in greater detail, the display modulesassociated with the digital signs described herein, namely digital sign8010 (FIGS. 35-37), and digital sign 8110 (FIG. 41), digital sign 8210(FIG. 50) may be front loaded and rear loaded respectively. Therespective sign section assembly units 9010 and 9110 associated with thedigital signs 8010 and 8110, 8210 respectively may be utilized toreplace both static billboard signs as well as electronic billboardsigns where display modules are configured to plug directly into theexisting sign structure. The sign section assembly units 9010 and 9110which are constructed in accordance with the present invention, enableretrofitting of such existing sign structures in a fast and convenientmanner.

Considering now the pre-wired sign section assembly 9010 in greaterdetail with reference to FIG. 37, the pre-wired sign section 9010generally includes at least one compound structural frame 9012 having afront-facing portion 9013 (FIG. 38) and a rear-facing portion 9015 (FIG.38) facing opposed to the front-facing portion 9013. The front-facingportion 9013 of the compound structural frame 9012 defines a pluralityof individual openings, such as openings or cutouts 9095, 9097 (FIG. 37)and a two-dimensional array 9030 of bay members 9016 arranged in aplurality of rows along a vertical direction indicated generally by avertical direction line 9021 and a plurality of columns along ahorizontal direction indicated generally by a horizontal direction line9020. Each individual front loading bay member 9016 within the array9030 is configured to receive and support removably therein anindividual one of the weatherized display modules 14 as previouslydescribed. For the particular sign configuration 8010 being considered,the individual sign sections 9010 are constructed in an array which is 2bays wide and 10 bays high, or two columns wide and 10 rows high. Thisconfiguration includes two compound structural frames each 2 bays wideand 5 bays high or a two column by five row configuration. As mentionedearlier, since each compound structural frame 9012 may be cut to asingle column of bays 9016 or a single row of bays 9016, the structuralframe 9012 may be customized for any sign size configuration. Moreoversince the compound structural frames can be dovetailed joined from leftto right or from bottom to top a wide variety of different signconfigurations are possible. So the sign examples described herein(8010A-D, FIG. 47) are merely a few examples of different configurationsand not intended to be any form of limitation.

As already mentioned, an existing sign structure 1410 is modified in thefield using the field modification kit 1210B (FIG. 42B). The fieldmodification kit 1210B derives its component parts from those producedor manufactured at a local factory. Certain ones of these componentparts are purchased from third party suppliers including such items asbolts, rivet nuts, conduit, channels and sheathing for example. Otherones of the component parts are manufactured or assembled using specialmanufacturing jigs (FIG. 39), and factory assembly processes (FIG.43A-B). For example, in order to enable the manufacturing of the sectionsign assembly, such as the section sign assembly 9010, a factoryassembly kit 1210A is utilized.

Considering now the factory assembly kit 1210A in greater detail withreference to FIG. 42A, the factory assembly kit generally includes (1) aplurality 9022 of vertical structural support members 8012; (2) aplurality 9024 of vertical structural support member bolts 8014 with dryLoktite® coated thereon and associated rivet nuts 8016; (3) a plurality9026 of compound structural frames, such as a front access structuralframe 12 (9012) or a rear access structural frame 9112 (as will bedescribed hereinafter in greater detail); (4) a plurality 9028 ofsheathing member 9017 for back covering each individual one of the frontaccess structural frame units 9012; (5) component parts 9032 for theassembly of a plurality of display modules, such as a display module 14,(6) component parts 9034 for the assembly of a power and datadistribution kit including a central AC power and data distribution hub1810; a plurality of direct current (DC) power and data satellite hubs1710; and a plurality of wire harnesses for pre-wiring a plurality ofpre-wired sign section assemblies, such as the sign section assembly9010; and (6) various other component parts for providing signagemounting and installation processes including various miscellaneoustools. As will be explained hereinafter in greater detail, rearaccessible components can be easily and quickly substituted for frontaccessible components so the factory assembly kit 1210A can betransformed between front access capabilities to back accesscapabilities. For example by substituting rear accessible compoundstructural frames and sheathing for front accessible compound structuralframes and sheathing the kit is transformed for rear accessibilitysignage.

The planar or vertical support members in the factory assembly kit 1210Acome in standard lengths which are cut to size at the factory, to formindividual planar vertical support members, such as the individualsupport member 8012. As will be explained hereinafter in greater detailthese support members 8012 are provided on the rear-facing portion ofthe sign section assembly 9010, for example as best seen in FIGS. 38 and40, in order to provide the assembly 9010 with a planar structuralsupport and in order to help secure the planar sheathing member disposedin a face to face relationship with the rear-facing portion of thecompound structural frame 9012. Different types and kinds of supportmembers are contemplated by the present invention, including but notlimited to channel support members, U-shaped support members, V-shapedsupport members, and flat support members to mention but a few examples.There is no intention therefore of limiting the scope of the presentinvention to any particular type or kind of support member so long asthe support member has sufficient rigidity to support a sign sectionassembly unit to an existing sign structure 1410 (FIG. 38).

The sheathing members 9017 and 9023 (no rear access features as seen inFIGS. 39 and 40A) and 9117 (rear access feature as seen in FIGS. 40B and41) are lightweight and are provided to keep the rear-facing portion ofan associated structural frame free of small insects and the like and toalso facilitate establishing a chimney draft effect along the channelsdisposed in the backside of the structural frame. As a plurality of theindividual ones of the sign section assemblies 9010 will be utilized inproviding a particular type of sign structure and these sign sectionassemblies can be disposed in different orientations relative to oneanother, it should be understood that individual ones of the verticalsupports members are arranged to accommodate abutting a left most signsection assembly 9010L with either a right most sign section assembly9010R or a center or internal sign section assembly 9010C. Moreoverdifferent types and kinds of support members may be utilized. Forexample a channel type support member 8012 (FIG. 38) or a U-beam typesupport member 8013 (FIGS. 41 and 49). In short, the type and kind ofsupport member utilized in the construction of a pre-wired sign sectionassembly (9010 or 9110) is merely a matter of design choice. Likewise,the type of sheathing members (9017, 9023 or 9117) is also a matter ofdesign choice based upon whether the pre-wired sign section assembly isa front loading type (9010) or a rear loading type (9110).

More particularly, as best seen in FIG. 48, the left most assembly 9010Lis provided with three structural support members 8013 arranged fromleft to right on the frame 12 at the extreme left boundary edge of theframe 12, the center of the frame 12 and slightly overlapping the rightboundary edge of the frame 12. The overlapping configuration is providedso that the right most support member 8013 can be affixed to both theleft most section 9010L and to the left boundary edge of the internalsection 9010C or the left boundary edge of the right most section 9010R,whichever the case may be relative to what type of signage is beingmodified or constructed.

The center or internal sections 9010C are provided with only two supportmembers 8013, one at the rearside center of the associated frame 12 andone slightly overlapping the right boundary edge of the frame 12. Thisoverlapping configuration is provided so right most support 8013 of theinternal section 9010C can be affixed to a right most section 9010R.

The right most sections 9010R are also provided with only two structuralsupport members 8013, one at the rearside center of the associated frame12 and one at the extreme right boundary edge of the frame 12.

From the foregoing, it should be understood that sign section assemblies9010L, 9010C and 9010R are hoisted and hung onto an existing signsupport structure utilizing a left to right mounting configuration. Itshould also be understood, that this left to right procedure would berepeated if needed to form an array of sign sections on an existing signsupport structure.

The pre-wired sign section assembly 9010 further includes a plurality ofwiring assemblies, such as the wire harness assembly 1500 (FIG. 36). Thewire harness assembly 1500 includes a first portion 1500A (FIG. 37)which when installed in a compound structural frame forms a componentpart of a pre-wired sign section assembly 9010. A second part 1500B(FIG. 36) of the wiring assembly 1500 ships separate from the pre-wiredsign section assembly 9010 as this second portion 15008 must be mountedto a centered one of the planar structural support members 8012 at theinstallation site. In order to simplify the detailed descriptionrelative to the wire harness assembly 1500, the two parts of theassembly 1500 from time to time will be described as forming part of apower/data distribution kit 1216 (FIG. 428), which kit 1216 in turn,forms part of the sectional sign assembly and installation kit 1210(FIG. 42). In this regard, the power/data distribution kit 1216 ispartially utilized in the factory to help form individual sign sectionassemblies, such as the assembly 9010 and partially utilized in thefield at the installation site to install central AC and data controlhubs 1810 and satellite power and data hubs 1710 on the backside of thesign under construction. The following is intended to help clarify howthe two parts 1500A and 1500B are utilized in helping to modify anexisting sign structure, such as existing sign structure 1410.

Each first portion 1500A, which is a prewired portion, is associatedwith and made part of the pre-wired sign section assembly 9010 as bestseen in FIG. 37. In this regard, each first portion 1500A includes aplurality of power extensions ends for coupling a DC power sourcederived from the second portion 1500B to the plurality of displaymodules 14 populating the bay members of a compound structural frame.Each first portion 1500A further includes a power junction end forcoupling the power extension end to the DC power source as will beexplained hereinafter in greater detail. For the moment, it will sufficeto state that each individual one of the plurality of power junctionends (nodes) is coupled to a direct current/data structural frame orsatellite hub, such as the satellite hub 1710 as best seen in FIG. 36.

Each second portion 1500B also forms part of a signage data/powerdistribution scheme which is configured to be coupled to the main ACpower 9050 and data 9052 distribution panel (not shown) associated withthe sign 8010. This data/power distribution scheme is inclusive of apair of DC/data SF hubs 1710 associated with each pre-wired sign sectionassembly 9010. The pair of DC/data SF hubs 1710 are mounted on acentrally disposed planar structural support member 8012 to enable powerto be distributed outwardly therefrom to each of the bays within theassociated compound structural frame. In this regard, since two compoundstructural frame units are associated with the pre-wired sign section9010, two DC/data SF hubs 1710 are provided. The second portion 1500Balso includes a central AC and data hub 1810 which is mounted between apair of the planar structural support members 8012 and centrally to allof the satellite hubs 1710 associated with the signage 8010. The centralAC and data hub 1810 is coupled between the main AC power and datadistribution panel and each pair of the satellite DC/data SF hubs 1710associated with the signage or billboard 8010. Power and data is coupledbetween the central AC and data hub 1810 and the plurality of DC/data SFhubs 1710 via weatherproof conduit 1812 shown schematically in FIG. 36which is also supported by the planar structural support members 8012forming part of the signage 8010.

Each first part 1500A of the wire harness assembly 1500 is identical,utilizing cable or wire with a sufficiently small wire gauge that allowsat least ten harnesses or cables to pass through a structural framecutout within an associated compound structural frame 12 (9012). Forexample, the cutout 9095 has a sufficient space opening for allowingsuch a bundle of cables to pass therethrough from the front-facingportion 9013 to the rear-facing portion 9015 of the frame 12 (9012) andthen, through a sheathing cutout as best seen in FIG. 49 to engageconnectors within the associated satellite hub 1710. If needed, a cableor harness restraint 1712 may be mounted in an appropriate resistantposition, such as on an adjacent wire routing feature, such as the wirerouting feature 309 associated with cutout 306 to provide an power/dataintroduction point on the front-facing portion of the structural frame12. It should be noted that the power junction end 1602 of the firstpart of the wire harness assembly 1500A is located adjacent to a rearsurface of one of the rear-facing portions. The power junction end 1602as noted is configured for attachment to a satellite hub 1710 mounted onthe support member 8012 which is adjacent to both columns of bay membersassociated with the structural frame 12.

Considering now the sectional sign assembly and installation kit 1210and method of using 1110 the kit 1210 to assembly and install theelectronic sign or billboard 8010 in greater detail with reference toFIG. 43, the factory assembly method 1110A (FIG. 43), is initiated at astart step 4310 where the process proceeds to a cutting operation step4312. At the cutting step 4312 individual ones of the planar verticalsupport members are cut to required sizes for the sign to be convertedor constructed. Horizontal support members 8017, if utilized are alsocut to size at this cutting step 4312.

Once the channel members 8012 have been cut for the sign 8010, theprocess proceeds to an install step 4314 where rivet nuts 8016 areinstalled at desired location corresponding to a particular structuralbolt pattern. The process then goes to another install step 4316 where aminimum of one rivet nut 8016 per vertical support member 8012 isinstalled to facilitate permanently attaching the sheathing backing(9017 or 9117) as the case may be) between the particular compoundstructural frame being utilized (a front access structural frame 12,9012 or a rear access structural frame 9112) and its associated planarvertical support channels 8012.

Next in the assembly process 1110A, another operation step 4318 isperformed where horizontal reference lines (not shown) are marked outacross the vertical support members 8012. The horizontal reference linesare provided as reference line to affix hanger brackets to the backsideof the assembly 9010.

After the reference lines are marked out on the support members 8012 atstep 4318, the process goes to a cutting step 4320, where sheathingmaterial is cut to size to provide the required sheathing for a frontaccess structural frame 12 or a rear access structural frame 9112. Thesheathing 9017 or 9117 is then further processed at an action step 4322where holes are punched out in the sheathing at required rivet nutlocations. These hole are oversized holes to fit over a rivet nut flangeassociated with a net nut 8016.

From the action step 4322, the process goes to another action step 4324to further process the sheathing. In this regard, the action step 4324results in providing a set of access or punch out holes which arenecessary for providing access to the rear of the compound structuralframe to display module latching system. It should be understood that ifrear doors are provided, such as on the sheathing 9117 (FIG. 41C)sheathing access holes, such as the sheathing access hole 9120 arerequired. In this regard, access to the compound structural frame todisplay module latching system is provided via the sheathing access hole9120 and rear access door 9118.

Next, the process goes to yet another action step 4330 where mountingholes are provided in the sheathing. These mounting holes helpfacilitate the mounting or attaching of the sheathing to the rivet nuts8016 disposed in the vertical support member 8012

The process then proceeds to still yet another action step 4332 as bestseen in FIG. 43B, where openings are punched out in the sheathing forproviding rear access doors 9118 and locking mechanisms (not shown).From action step 4332, the process advances to an install step 4334where a rear access door 9118 is installed onto the backside of thesheathing 9117 along with the locking system. It should be understoodthat this step may be omitted when no rear access door is being providedwith sheathing 9019, 9023 for a front access compound structural frame9012.

From the install access door step 4334, the process goes to anaction/install step 4336 where a harness access hole is punched out inthe sheathing at the location where the wiring harness or cable 1500Apasses to the backside of sheathing. In order to protect the cable fromthe formed hole edges, a grommet is installed in the resulting hole.

The process then advances to an assemble step 4337, where all othercomponents needed for the sign section assembly 9010 are assembled. Fromthe foregoing, it should be understood that those components requiredfor the sign section assembly 9010 are not available for a continuedmanufacturing process. In this regard, the process proceeds to a preparestep 4338.

At the prepare step 4338, a bench top jig which is capable of assemblingleft side assemblies, right side assemblies and center assemblies isprepared for the continued manufacturing process. Once the jig 1310 isprepare at the jig preparation step 4338, the process goes to an affixstep 4340 where the vertical members required for the particular type ofsign section assembly (left, right or interior assembly) are affixed tothe jig 1310 with the rivet nuts 8016 facing upward from the bench top.

From the affix step 4340, the process continues to another affix step4342 where central horizontal power distribution support members areaffixed between vertical support members. These central horizontal powerdistribution support members are utilize to support the central AC anddata enclosure 1810 from the backside of the sign 8010 or 8110 or 8210,whichever type of sign.

Next, at a marking step 4348, section lift points are marked on thevertical support members 8012 as well as the horizontal support members8017. After the marking has been applied, the process advances. Itshould be understood that once the horizontal and vertical supportmembers have been fixed within the jig 1310, marking of the supportmembers may be immediately commenced.

The process then advances to an install step 4350 where the sizedsheathing is lay onto the vertical support members. If the sheathing isprovided with a rear access door 9118, the sheathing 9117 is placed doorside down. It should be understood by those skilled in the art thatother types of sheathing may also be utilized such as rolled sheathing9023 (FIG. 38) or flat sheathing 9017 (FIG. 40) as examples.

Once the sheathing has been placed on the vertical support members, theprocess goes to an affix step 4352 where the sheathing is affixed to thevertical members with rivet nuts 8016. From the affix step 4352, theprocess advances to a chimney install step 4354.

At the chimney install step 4354, chimney grills are inserted into theirgrill locations in the compound structural frame. Continuing to aninstall bee stop step 4356, bee stops are adhesively affixed in theirrespective locations within the compound structural frame in accordancewith the type of sign section assembly being formed.

From the affix bee stops step 4356, the process continues to anarrangement step 4358, where the compound structural frame is placed ontop of the sheathing. At step 4360 the mounting bolt features within thecompound structural frame are aligned with the rivet nuts disposed inthe vertical structural frames so the bolts may be installed at aninstall step 4362.

Next, the process continues to a wire harness install step 4364. At thewire harness install step 4364, while maintaining the unit in asubstantially flat orientation relative to the bench top each wireharness cable is install in the compound structural frame and routed tothe central opening. Wire harness zipper ties 9018 are utilized tosecure the free ends of the extension chords and module connectors inclose proximity for coupling to a display module connector.

At a prepare for shipping step 4370, wood blocking 8015 (FIG. 49) isadded for helping to protect the assembly during shipping. Next at afinal preparation step 4373, the assemblies are boxed up, palletized andshipped out to an installation site. The factory assembly process thenends at a go to step 4374 with the process advancing to a go to fieldinstallation site step 4410 (FIG. 43C) where a field installation methodor process 1110B is initiated that will be described hereinafter ingreater detail.

Considering now the electronic sign or billboard 8010 in greater detailwith reference to FIG. 42B, the field modification or assembly kitportion 1210B of the sectional electronic sign assembly and installationkit 1210 generally includes a plurality 1212 of pre-wired sign sectionassembly units 9010, where each section is two feet wide and ten feettall. With this type of sign structure, the sign 9010 will include aplurality of sign section assemblies including a single right side unit9010R, a single left side unit 9010L and a set of three internal units9010C. The field modification kit 1210B also includes a plurality 1214of display modules 14 to populate the prewired wired sign sectionassembly units; a power/data distribution kit 1216 for mounting to oneor more of the vertical planar structural support members 8012. Thepower/data distribution kit 1216 includes a plurality 1218 of DC/datasatellite hubs 1710 and a central AC and data distribution kit portion1220 to facilitate the installation of the central hub 1810, and hubmounting kit 1222 that includes hub mounting hardware, conduits, conduitmounting hardware, hinges, and locking latches. The kit 1210 alsoincludes a signage installation kit 1224 utilized in hanging theindividual sign section assemblies. This kit 1224 includes; sign trim1501, 1502; lifting hooks or brackets 1503; hanger brackets 1505, hangerbracket hardware 1512, lifting bracket hardware 1516; hanger clips 1514,as well as additional compound frame to vertical members bolts 1520(with dry Loktite®) and washers for fastening the “free” interior framesections to their neighbors as best seen in FIG. 48.

Referring now to the manner in which the billboard sign 8010 is fieldinstalled in greater detail by use of the field modification kit 1210B(FIG. 42 B), the field installation assembly method 1110B (FIG. 43), isinitiated from step 4374 to step 4410 (FIG. 43C) at the installationsite when the component assembly step 4374 ends. In this regard, theprocess advances to the installation site at step 4410 when theinstallation team arrives on site ready to begin the installationprocess. From step 4410, the process advances to a delivery step 4412when all the component parts necessary for the modification or assemblyof the electronic sign 8010 or 8110 or 8210 arrive on site. Theinstallation process then advances to a preparation step 4414. When thefield assembly kit 1210B arrives at the installation site usually byconventional transportation, the onsite installation team unloads thetransportation vehicle utilizing convention construction equipment.

At preparation step 4414, the installation team prepares the existingsign for the retrofit process. In this regard, the installation teamremoves the planar back panels of the existing sign structure 1410thereby exposing its underlying support structure. This includesvertical support beams, horizontal support beams, diagonal supportbeams, cat walks and the like. For the purpose of simplicity hereinafterthese support beams will be referred to individually and collectivelysimply as “the existing support structure” 1410.

Upon removal of the planar back panels or poster boards, the processadvances to a replacement step 4416 where the installation teams adds orreplaces existing support structure 1410 as necessary per localauthority signage requirements. When the existing support structure 1410has been properly updated and is ready for use the process proceeds to amounting step 4418.

At the mounting step 4418, the installation team starts with the firstor left most sign section assembly 9010L and readies the assembly 9010Lby installing an adjustable hanging bracket 1505 to the verticalstructural support member 8012 at the center of the assembly 9010L.Alternatively, hanger brackets may be used equidistant about theassembly centerline. It should be noted that if the hanging brackets arealready welded to a vertical support 8012, this step of attaching thehanging bracket to the vertical support may be omitted.

Next at a populate step 4419, the installation team populates all of thebay members 9016 in the sign section assembly 9010L with individual onesof the weatherized display modules, such as the display module 14.Populating the assembly 9010L before it is hoisted into position on theexisting structural support beams of the existing sign, results inreduced installation time, as the individual display modules do not needto be placed in a limited sized lift bucket and raised to the height ofthe sign for installation. In short, populating before liftingeliminates the need to utilize the limited sized lift bucket for thisprocess.

After the sign section assembly 9010L has been populated with displaymodules 14, the process continues to a lifting step 4420. At the liftingstep 4420, the installation team attaches lifting hardware onto theassembly 9010L and using a crane hoist, raises the assembly 9010L ontothe existing sign support structure 1410 of the existing sign. Theprocess then advances to a hanging step 4422.

After the sign section assembly has been raised and positioned on theexisting sign structure 1410, the installation team utilizing the kitprovided hanger brackets, such as the hanger brackets 1505, and whilekeeping the hoisting crane (not shown) engaged, hang the lifted section9010L from the upper support 1410. It should be understood that hangerbrackets are attached at marked positions selected at a chosenpre-marked height from the top of the panel per factory step 4318. Atanother hanging step 4428, the team affixes (if necessary) a lowerhanger bracket 1505 to the assembly 1910L and hangs the assembly 9010Lto a lower support 1410. Once the sign assembly 9010L has been hung tothe upper and lower supports, the hung sign section is disconnected fromthe hoisting crane at a disconnect step 4430

Next, at another attachment step 4432, the team attaches upper and loweralignment guides, such as the alignment guides 1524 (See FIG. 50) to thesign section assembly horizontal support 8017. The alignment guides 1524bolt onto the support 8017 spanning the sign section seams. Horizontalsupports 8017 are also bolted to the vertical support 8012. The processis ready now for adding another sign section.

The installation team accesses the next sign section assembly 90100 at areadying or access step 4434, where the team removes the shipping blocksassociated with the next section, and then populates the assembly 9010Cwith its associated display modules 14.

Next after the assembly 9010C has been populated with display modules,at another attachment step 4436, as was done with the first left mostassembly 9010L, the installation team attached to the internal assembly9010C the lifting hardware and then using the hoisting crane, hoists theassembly 9010C onto the existing support structure 1410 using thealignment guides 1524 and the dovetail features of the compoundstructural frame 12 to abut sections relative to their x-y-z axes.

After the two sections have been aligned, at another attachment step4438, the team attaches upper and lower hanger brackets, such as thehanger bracket 1505 to the sign section assembly 9010C. The hangerbracket 1505 bolts to the assembly 9010C. The process then advances toan install step 4444. At the install step 4444, the team using verticalmember bolts 1520 coated with dry Loktite®, attach the structural frameof the assembly 9010C to the vertical channel support member 8012associated with the neighbor assembly 9010L. It should be understoodthat any installed display modules 14 installed at bolt locations wouldneed to be removed from these bolt locations and then reinstalled aftersection bolting is completed.

Next, at another attachment step 4446, the vertical support members 8012and or horizontal support member 8017 and alignment guides which bridgethe sign section seams are bolted together. At this point, the teammakes a determination at a decision step 4448 whether all the signsection assemblies associated with the sign 8010 have been hung andmounted to the existing sign structure 1410. If all sections have notbeen hung, the team goes back to the access step 4434 and repeats eachstep described thereafter until all of the sign sections, including theright most section assembly 9010R have been hung and mounted to theexisting sign structure 1410. When this has been accomplished theprocess advances from the decision step 4448 to a trim affix step 4450where the team affixes the sign trim 1501 to the hung sign sectionassemblies using the trim mounting hardware provided in the fieldmodification kit 1210B.

After the sign trim 1501 has been mounted, the process advances to areplacement step 4460 as best seen in FIG. 43. The installation team atthe replacement step 4460 replace grommets at all the cable pass throughlocations with a conduit connector and a section of the conduit 1716 andthen pulls cables (wire harnesses) from the front-facing portion of thecompound structural frame 12 through the rear sheathing and then to therear of the sign section assemblies.

After the cables have been pulled to the rear of the sign 8010, theprocess advances to an install step 4462 where the installation teaminstalls on the appropriate ones of the channel members 8012 hub hinges,such as the hub hinge 1714 (FIG. 52) and then mount the associated onesof the satellite hubs 1710 to their respective hinge members, such as ahinge member 1714. This arrangement allows the satellite hub 1710 to berotated backward and tilted away from the backside of the sign 8010.This also allows access to the sheathing holes and the rear-facing cutouts in the structural frames to feed harness cables 1500A through chordgrips, such as a chord grip 1712 which in turn allows the hub 1710 tolie in a horizontal position so the individual harness cables, such asthe harness cable 1500A can be cut to length while the satellite hub isdisposed in its down position. It should be noted that the cable lengthis effectively governed by the location of that display module furthestfrom its associated satellite hub 1710 plus an additional twelve toeighteen inch minimum for running through the supporting chord grip1712.

After the cables 1500A have been cut to length, the process advances toa terminate step 4464 where the cables 1500A are coupled or connected totheir respective satellite hubs 1710 to complete the electricalinterconnection between the display modules at their associated hubs1710. When so terminated, each hub 1710 is then reset to its uprightposition at a reset step 4464 using hub/locking mechanisms (not shown).

The process then advances to a decision step 4466 where the installationteam makes a determination to verify that all satellite hubs 1710associated with the sign 8010 have been installed. If all satellite hubs1710 have not been installed the process returns to the replacement step4460 and continues as previously described. On the other hand, if allthe satellite hubs 1710 have been installed, the process advances toanother install step 4468.

At the install step 4468, the installation team using the mountinghardware for the central AC and data control enclosure 1810, installsits supporting hardware between a pair of the vertical support members8012. The AC and data control enclosure 1810 is then mounted between thepair of vertical support members 8012. As best seen in FIG. 36 thisinstallation location of the central hub 1810 is central to all of thesatellite hubs 1710 in order to help minimize conduit strings. In thisregard, the installation team runs weatherproof flexible conduit 1812between the various ones of the satellite hubs 1710 and the central ACand data control hub 1810.

Vertical support members 8012 are utilized for anchoring the conduitruns 1812 to the rear side of the sign 8010. Once the conduit runs 1812have been anchored to their vertical support members 8012, theinstallation team at a pull step 4170, pulls the AC wiring from eachsatellite hub 1710 to the central hub 1810, terminating the wires atboth ends to establish a solid electrical path therebetween. The processthen advances to another installation step 4476.

At the installation step 4476 the installation team establishes datacommunication paths between the central hub 1810 and the satellite hubs1710. In this regard, the installation team installs either wired orwireless capability allowing the sign 8010 to effect data communicationusing appropriate communication hardware (not shown).

Once the AC and data communication channels have been completed betweenthe central hub 1810 and each of the display modules 14, the processadvances to a verification step 4478. At the verification step 4478, theinstallation team verifies that the AC source service for the sign 8010is locked out and tagged out. Once this is verified, the installationteam runs the AC source service for the sign 8010 to the AC and dataenclosure 1810 using watertight conduit.

After the AC power runs have been completed at step 4478, theinstallation team at a power on step 4480, applies power to the signsystem 8010 and verifies the proper operation of the system as describedearlier. Upon verification of proper sign operation, the processadvances to an end step 4482.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 41, thereis illustrated another electronic sign or billboard 8110 which isconstructed in accordance with the present invention. The electronicsign 8110 is assembled and constructed in substantially the same manneras described herein earlier relative to the electronic sign 8010 using aset of pre-wired sign section assembly units 9010A. The pre-wired signsection assemblies 9010A are substantially similar to the pre-wired signsection assembly 9010, except that a rear accessible compound structuralframe 9012 is utilized in its construction as opposed to the frontaccessible compound structural frame 12. In short, by simplysubstituting one pre-wired sign section assembly 9010A for the otherpre-wired sign section assembly 9010, an existing static sign can beconverted to a dynamic electronic sign with both display module frontloading and rear loading capabilities. As installation or modificationkits and methods of assembly between the two pre-wired sign sectionassemblies 9010 and 9010A are also substantially the same as describedherein earlier, only the differences will be described hereinafter ingreater detail.

Considering now the electronic sign 9110 in greater detail withreference to FIGS. 41, 45 and 46, the electronic sign 9110 generallyincludes a plurality of rear accessible compound structural frames, suchas a compound structural frame 9112 (FIGS. 45-46). The electronic sign9110, like electronic sign 9010 has a front-facing portion 9113 and arear-facing portion 9115, as best seen in FIG. 46. Compound structuralframe 9112 (FIGS. 44-45) is substantially similar to compound structuralframe 9012 (FIG. 37) except for the size and layout of its cutout areaas will be explained. More particularly, compound structural frame 9112is constructed so that each of its associated structural bay members,such as bay member 9116, are configured as front or rear loadingstructural bay members 9116. This is accomplished by providing each baymember 9116 with a large centrally disposed display module removalkeyhole cutout area, such as the cutout area 9363 as best seen in FIGS.44-45. This keyhole cutout area 9363, although substantially larger thancutout area 330 as previously described relative to structural frame 12,nevertheless is configured to allow substantially the same wire routingfeatures, substantially the same node receptacle features, andsubstantially the same module latching features as found and describedearlier herein relative to structural frame 12. Moreover, the largercutout area 9363 is also configured so that the cooling fin heat sink ofan associated display module 14 is also positioned without disruptionwithin an identically structured self-cooling air vent configured on thebackside of the structural frame 9112. Finally, also certain ones of thecut out areas found in the structural compound frame 12 are configuredsmaller within the structural compound frame 9112, nevertheless thevolume of these smaller cutout areas when taken in combination with thecutout area 9363 are sufficient so the structural frame 9112 weighs nogreater than 50 pounds. In summary then, the keyhole cutout area 9363has a sufficient width dimension and a sufficient height dimension todefine within its associated bay member a passageway opening 9363 to therear surface of the compound frame 9112 enabling a display module 14supported within the associated bay member to be rearwardly removed andreplaced through the passageway opening 9363.

Before continuing with the detailed description of the electronic sign8110, it might be beneficial to briefly review the advantages realizedby providing the sign 8110 with rear serviceability.

Firstly, the electronic sign or billboard 8110 is substantially similarto the electronic sign 8010 and accordingly, all of the advantagesmentioned herein earlier with respect to the electronic sign orbillboard 8010.

Secondly, the electronic sign or billboard 8110 is provided with thesame type of sheathing backing that was described relative to thesectional sign assembly 8010. Accordingly, the same chimney ventself-cooling scheme is available. However, by providing the sheathingbacking with latching access doors as will be described hereinafter ingreater detail, a service person is able to access the rear-facingportion of the compound structural frame 9012 and not only unlatch adisplay module 14 from its associate bay, but also utilizing a uniqueand novel method of rear access display module removal, is able to graspthe unlatched display module 14 and remove it from the backside of thesign 8110 via the sheathing access door. Those skilled in the art shouldunderstand that by utilizing existing catwalks associated with anexisting static sign or by constructing catwalks on the existingstructure 1410, display modules 14 may be services without theutilization of large ladders and bucket cranes, which could requirespecial or expensive local authority permits.

Thirdly, by use of a lanyard on the display module 14 as describedherein earlier, a display module 14 may be secured and protected fromsign dislodgement prior to being unlatched from its associated baymember.

Finally, regardless of a signs height, complete rear serviceability isprovided without the need of disconnecting AC power from the sign.

Considering now the compound structural frame 12 (sometimes hereinafterreferred to as compound structural frame 9012) in greater detail withreference to FIG. 7, the compound structural frame 9012 includes afront, facing portion indicated generally at 9013 and a rear facingportion indicated generally at 9015. The front facing portion 9013defines a two dimensional array 9130 of bays, such as the bay member9016. Each individual bay 9016 is dimensioned for supporting therein asealed display module 14. Each bay member 9016 includes a set of wirerouting features 9307-9310 and a set of latches which are disposed inthe same configuration as the latches associated with structural baymember 16. In this regard, latch bosses 9322-9327 are disposed in thesame configuration as latch bosses 322-327 and the associated latcheswhich are mounted to such bosses have both front side and back sideunlatching capability as best seen in FIG. 30.

The two dimensional array 9130 of bays 9116 includes a plurality of baycolumns defined along a horizontal X-direction axis line H, indicatedgenerally at 9020 (FIG. 37) and a plurality of bay rows defined along avertical Y-direction axis line V, indicated generally at 9021 (FIG. 37).A node bearing wiring harness (not shown) which is substantiallyidentical to wire harness 1500A has a set of spaced apart wiring nodeswhich are adapted to be secured within a corresponding set of nodereceptacles, such as node receptacles 9350 and 9352 (FIG. 45) definedwithin the structural frame 9112 in substantially the same manner as theearlier described with respect to the wiring harness 2400H. In thisregard, the wiring harness has a sufficient length to branch throughoutthe structural frame 9012, 9112 and then exit therefrom so that thepower source connector ends of the harness may be coupled to theavailable source of low voltage. To facilitate the routing of theharness 1500A throughout the structural frame member 9012, 9112, thestructural frame 9012, 9112 defines a plurality of wire routing features9307-9310 for example. In short, the harness 1500A passes through a cutout area and a punch out in the sheathing into order to be secured to anassociated satellite hub 1710 in the same manner as described hereinearlier relative to the sign section assembly 8010.

Considering now the method of removing a display module 14 from the rearside of the sign 9110 with reference to FIGS. 47A-D, removal of thedisplay module is commenced by opening the sheathing access doorassociated with the display module to be removed. A lanyard is thenattached to the display module as a safety feature to make certain thatthe display module is unable to fall from the front side of the sign9110.

Once the lanyard is attached to the display module, the servicepersonusing a display module removal tool (a hex wrench), accesses each framelatch engaging its complimentary display modules latch receptacle andunlatches each latch from its associated receptacle.

When the display module 14 is unlatched from the structural frame 9012,the service person, as best seen in 47B, while holding the heat sinkfins of the module, pushes the display module 14 outwardly and away fromthe front face of the sign 9110. This distance the display module 14 ismoved away from the front face of the sign 9110 is a sufficient distanceto allow the display module to be inverted so that it height to widthdimension is such that the display module 14 may be pull back into thestructural frame 9012 into the cutout area 9363 as best seen in FIG. C.In this position, the serviceperson is able to disengage the displaymodule 14 from its associate power/data harness 1500A allowing theharness to rest freely within the cutout area 9363.

Once the display module 14 is free of its wire harness 1500A, theservice person continues to pull the module 14 rearwardly and throughthe sheathing access door until the module 14 may be released from thelanyard and placed in a storage box (not shown) for return to thefactory. The service person, then reverses this process, attaching thelanyard to a new display module, which is inserted heat sink downthrough the sheathing access door and through the compound structuralframe. This action continues until the display module 14 has been moveda sufficient distance from the front side of the sign 9110 to allow itto be rotated into a non-inverted stated and then pull back into itsassociated bay member. While still holding the heat sink, the serviceperson engages each of the frame latches with the complimentary latchreceptacles on the display module, until all have been latched therebysecuring the display module 14 within its associated bay member 9016.When service has been completed, power is reconnected to the module asnecessary and access doors are then locked. This process is thenrepeated for each display module that needs to be serviced.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 50, there isillustrated a rear accessible electronic digital billboard 8210 which isconstructed in accordance with the present invention. The digitalbillboard 8210 generally includes a plurality of substantially identicalpre-wired front and rear accessible sign section assemblies 9110 whichare configured to be electrically and mechanically coupled to a centralalternating current and data distribution hub 1810 and a plurality 1218of direct current/data satellite hubs 1710 which define a plurality ofpower routing systems as best seen in FIG. 36. Each power routing systemincludes at least one node associated with each sign section assemblywherein a plurality of individual power extensions radiate or extendfrom the node to one of the bay members. The satellite hubs 1710 andcentral hub 1810 are combined in a power/data distribution kit 1216 withhardware for mounting pairs of satellite hubs 1710 to individual ones ofthe sign section assemblies 9110. In this regard, the satellite hubs1710 which are distributed about the central hub 1810 are all mounted tovarious vertical planar support members 8012 forming part of individualones of the sign section assemblies 9110. The sign section assemblies9110, the power/data distribution kit 1216, the display modules 14 alongwith a signage installation kit 1224 are all delivered to a fieldinstallation site with a set of tools. The combination of thesecomponent parts, tools and kits enable a field installation team toretrofit an existing sign structure 1410 in a fast and convenient mannerto construct the electronic digital billboard 8210.

Considering now the digital billboard 8210 in greater detail, thedigital billboard 8210 is mounted to existing foundational support 1410and is provided with bolt mounted sign trim 1501 to provide the signwith a finished look. When mounted to the existing foundational support1410, the existing foundational support 1410 must, before theretrofitting process may commence, must have sufficient structuralsupport to meet local sign installation authority requirements. Shouldthe existing foundational support 1410 be deficient in this respect, thefield installation team will take the necessary steps to replace orreinforce the existing structure so it meets not only local authorityrequirements but also has sufficient structural integrity to support theresulting signage 8210 without compromise in wind loading forces of upto 100 pounds per square foot. As already mentioned, the billboard 8210is provided with rear accessibility capability. In this regard, thedisplay modules 14 which are populated by front loading into theirrespective sign section assemblies are completely serviceable from therear-facing side of the signage 8210. Front loading of the displaymodules 14 into their respective sign section assemblies before eachassembly is hoisted and hung in place onto the existing supportstructure 1410 is an important feature of the present invention. Thisallows the assemblies to be populated with modules while still at aground level location thereby eliminating the need of transporting andinstalling modules at sign level off above the ground. This in turn,results in a significant reduction in retrofit installation time withresulting favorable costs savings. Moreover, once the assemblies aremounted in place on the existing foundational structure 1410, rearaccessibility features in the assemblies enable the display modules 14to be removed from the backside of the signage 8210 via catwalks orsimple hoists or ladders, which in turn offer significant cost savingswhen compare to frontside removal in view of height considerations.

It is important to note that each sign section assembly 9110 is providedwith a set of horizontal support 8017 which are configured with pairs ofremovable lifting hooks, such as a lifting hook 1503. The lifting hooks1503 are utilized by the installation team to facilitate lifting eachsign section assembly 9110 to the existing sign structure 1410 andbringing the sign section assembly into alignment for mating engagementwith the existing structure 1410 and another sign section assembly 9110via alignment guides, such as the alignment guide 1524 which spansbetween the vertical support members. Vertical support members 1812 andhorizontal support members 8017 are secured together by assembly supportbrackets, such as a support bracket 1509 and securing bolts 8018 andnuts 8019 respectively to facilitate hoisting of the sign sectionassembly 9110 into an existing support hanging position via hangingbracket as previously described herein with reference to anotherbillboard embodiment, but which is equally applicable to the presentbillboard.

As best seen in FIGS. 49-50, satellite hubs, such as the satellite hub1710, are hinged mounted to assembly structural support members, such asa support member 8012. This configuration enables the satellite hub 1710to be moved away from the rear-facing portion of an assembly therebyproviding access to the backside of assembly 9110 that would haveotherwise been covered by the hub 1710. In this manner, access doors9118 in the assembly sheathing 9117 may be opened to gain access to therearside structural frame keyhole cutouts 9363. This is an importantfeature of the present invention as such cutouts are arranged to be influid communication with the airflow paths established between thesheathing 9117 and the rearside of the structural frames forming part ofthe assemblies 9110. This access to the cooling vents coincides not onlywith cooling fin access to individual ones of the display modules tofacilitate rearside removal, but it also coincides with providingrearside access to associated module latching mechanisms so the latchingmechanism may be disengaged allowing module release. This access alsohas the advantage of visually presenting for disengagement thepowerldata connectors coupled to such display modules. Thus, once aconnector has been disconnected from its display module receptacle, thedisplay module 14 may be pushed outwardly and rotated into a positionfor allowing its removal rearwardly through the keyhole cutout 9363 forreplacement purposes.

While the present disclosure has described a process for mounting one ormore sign section assembly units to the horizontal and vertical supportsof an existing sign structure, the mounting of such a sign sectionassembly is not limited to one particular mounting structure. Accordingto the present invention, “an existing sign structure” “an existingsignage mounting structure” can include portions of or one or more ofvertical beams, horizontal beams, diagonal beams, sheet metal panels, asheet metal panelized system, a structural steel grid, a latticestructure of any appropriate ridged material, such as steel, structuralfoam, and plastic for example, a spaceframe, a billboard structure,architectural cladding, sign cabinet framing, a framed walling, aconcrete walling, a planar surface. These are but a few of the surfacesthat may be included as part of an existing signage mounting structure.Therefore, the present invention encompasses a wide range of structuresand surfaces that form part of a pre-existing sign that can be retrofitwith the retrofit kits of the present invention that include signsection assembly units, full or partial sign section assemblies, andcompound structural frames whether pre-wired or wired on site. Thus,there is no intention of limiting the scope of the type of surfaces andstructures that can be modified to become a dynamic electronic sign orbillboard.

CONCLUSION

The preceding merely illustrates the principles of the invention. Itwill thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able todevise various arrangements which, although not explicitly described orshown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are includedwithin its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples and conditionallanguage recited herein are principally intended expressly to be onlyfor pedagogical purposes and to aid the reader in understanding theprinciples of the invention and the concepts contributed by theinventors to furthering the art, and are to be construed as beingwithout limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions.Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, andembodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, areintended to encompass both structural and functional equivalentsthereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include bothcurrently known equivalents and equivalents developed in the future,i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardlessof structure.

This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read inconnection with the figures of the accompanying drawing, which are to beconsidered part of the entire written description. In the description,relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,”“above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well asderivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,”etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then describedor as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms arefor convenience of description and do not require that the apparatus beconstructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms concerningattachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and“interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are securedor attached to one another either directly or indirectly throughintervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments orrelationships, unless expressly described otherwise.

All patents, publications, scientific articles, web sites, and otherdocuments and materials referenced or mentioned herein are indicative ofthe levels of skill of those skilled in the art to which the inventionpertains, and each such referenced document and material is herebyincorporated by reference to the same extent as if it had beenincorporated by reference in its entirety individually or set forthherein in its entirety. Applicants reserve the right to physicallyincorporate into this specification any and all materials andinformation from any such patents, publications, scientific articles,web sites, electronically available information, and other referencedmaterials or documents to the extent such incorporated materials andinformation are not inconsistent with the description herein.

The written description portion of this patent includes all claims.Furthermore, all claims, including all original claims as well as allclaims from any and all priority documents, are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety into the written description portion of thespecification, and Applicant(s) reserve the right to physicallyincorporate into the written description or any other portion of theapplication, any and all such claims. Thus, for example, under nocircumstances may the patent be interpreted as allegedly not providing awritten description for a claim on the assertion that the precisewording of the claim is not set forth in haec verba in writtendescription portion of the patent.

The claims will be interpreted according to law. However, andnotwithstanding the alleged or perceived ease or difficulty ofinterpreting any claim or portion thereof, under no circumstances mayany adjustment or amendment of a claim or any portion thereof duringprosecution of the application or applications leading to this patent beinterpreted as having forfeited any right to any and all equivalentsthereof that do not form a part of the prior art.

All of the features disclosed in this specification may be combined inany combination. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each featuredisclosed is only an example of a generic series of equivalent orsimilar features.

It is to be understood that while the invention has been described inconjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoingdescription is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of theinvention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Thus,from the foregoing, it will be appreciated that, although specificembodiments of the invention have been described herein for the purposeof illustration, various modifications may be made without deviatingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. Other aspects, advantages,and modifications are within the scope of the following claims and thepresent invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.

The specific methods and compositions described herein arerepresentative of preferred embodiments and are exemplary and notintended as limitations on the scope of the invention. Other objects,aspects, and embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art uponconsideration of this specification, and are encompassed within thespirit of the invention as defined by the scope of the claims. It willbe readily apparent to one skilled in the art that varying substitutionsand modifications may be made to the invention disclosed herein withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the invention. The inventionillustratively described herein suitably may be practiced in the absenceof any element or elements, or limitation or limitations, which is notspecifically disclosed herein as essential. Thus, for example, in eachinstance herein, in embodiments or examples of the present invention,the terms “comprising”, “including”, “containing”, etc. are to be readexpansively and without limitation. The methods and processesillustratively described herein suitably may be practiced in differingorders of steps, and that they are not necessarily restricted to theorders of steps indicated herein or in the claims.

The terms and expressions that have been employed are used as terms ofdescription and not of limitation, and there is no intent in the use ofsuch terms and expressions to exclude any equivalent of the featuresshown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized thatvarious modifications are possible within the scope of the invention asclaimed. Thus, it will be understood that although the present inventionhas been specifically disclosed by various embodiments and/or preferredembodiments and optional features, any and all modifications andvariations of the concepts herein disclosed that may be resorted to bythose skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of thisinvention as defined by the appended claims.

The invention has been described broadly and generically herein. Each ofthe narrower species and subgeneric groupings falling within the genericdisclosure also form part of the invention. This includes the genericdescription of the invention with a proviso or negative limitationremoving any subject matter from the genus, regardless of whether or notthe excised material is specifically recited herein.

It is also to be understood that as used herein and in the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a” “an,” and “the” include plural referenceunless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the term “X and/or Y”means “X” or “Y” or both “X” and “Y”, and the letter “s” following anoun designates both the plural and singular forms of that noun. Inaddition, where features or aspects of the invention are described interms of Markush groups, it is intended and those skilled in the artwill recognize, that the invention embraces and is also therebydescribed in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members ofthe Markush group.

Although the invention has been described in terms of exemplaryembodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claimsshould be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodimentsof the invention, which may be made by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention.

Other modifications and implementations will occur to those skilled inthe art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the inventionas claimed. Accordingly, the description hereinabove is not intended tolimit the invention, except as indicated in the following claims.

For example, although the dynamic display of the present invention asdescribed herein is installed on poster panels of an existing billboard,it is contemplated that a cabinet type electronic display system couldalso be modified by stripping the cabinet of its display modules andelectrical system leaving an open faced cabinet frame. A structuralplanar back panel could then be mounted to the open face area of theopen faced cabinet frame. This structural planar back panel would thenserve and function as the planar mounting surface for the retrofit kit10 in the same manner as a field billboard. The cabinet structureoriginally installed would remain in place but would be modified asdescribed herein.

As another example, a building face surface of a multi-store or singlestory building could be modified by the installation of a structuralplanar back panel of any suitable structural material (sheet metal,wood, structural foam, plastic, etc.) with surface to surface standoffsto provide sufficient spacing for installation of the power systemdescribed herein. In this regard, the power and data junction boxeswould be installed on the backside of the planar back panel so as to bedisposed spaced from the exterior surface of the building. In analternative configuration, the planar back panel could be installed flatagainst the exterior surface of the building and power access for frontmounted display modules could be provided from junction boxes installedinside the building and routed to a structural planar back panel mountedon the exterior surface of the building. This structural planar backpanel would then serve and function as the planar mounting surface forthe retrofit, kit 10 in the same manner as the poster panels of anin-field billboard.

Therefore, provided herein is a new and improved in field retrofit kitfor converting a static non electronic billboard into a dynamicelectronic billboard and methods of retrofitting a static billboard inthe field in a fast and convenient manner without the need of specialequipment. The following specific features are deemed important andunique:

Harnesses: By utilizing the frame as a raceway (as opposed to runningcables through a conduit), there are less design limitations. Forexample: (1) connectors, or multiples of connectors would be difficultto pull through conduits, which would more likely than not result inmultiple conduits to avoid this problem; (2) alternately, such harnessesmay have to be replaced with cabling that is pulled through conduits,with the connectors then added in the field. Quality control and buildtime issues would then become a problem, which is not an issue with thepresent invention; and (3) utilizing conduit and cables as opposed tothe disclosed structural frames and preformed harness design wouldresult in more sign real estate required for conduit, especially atbends where there is a minimum radius requirement; more material costs,and greater labor costs for installing conduits, cable routing andconnector installation. Again, the structural frame and harness designof the present invention eliminates all of these issues.

Safety of Installation: HVAC power is rectified to substantially lessthan 30 VOC from the backside of the billboard 110 to the frontside ofthe billboard 110. In this regard, safety and practicality for workersto install and service the billboard 110 is of paramount importance.Higher direct current voltages or line voltages represent pending safetyhazards and may affect the required skill level of the person or personsinstalling the billboard 110. Use of the substantially less than 30 VDCpower eliminates the need for such skill labor during the installationand maintenance of the billboard 110.

Compound Frames with Specific Arrays: The new and improved billboard 110is optimized for panel form factor and assembly efficiency. In thisregard, the 4 foot by 5 foot form factor selected for the structuralframes 12 is optimized for the size of existing static panels which willbe utilized in the retrofit process. Moreover, with the use of compoundframes, such as the compound structural frames 12, the number of framesrequired to be mated with an existing panel board is greatly reduced.

Structural Foam Use: Ease of mating a structural frame 12 with anexisting static billboard 8, is achieved with the large, light-weightstructural frames, such as the structural frame 12. This is a key factorin the design criteria of the present invention; namely substantialweight reduction coupled with simple and effective molding constraints.In short, the utilization of large 4.times.5 foot frames is the optimalway of fabrication. That is, injection molding would make molding costsprohibitive and would make the overall weight of the individual panelstoo excessive for a worker to lift and place in position without usingspecial equipment during installation. The structural foam constructionof the individual frames 12 imparts to the individual frame unusualstrength and durability effectively weatherizing the frames againststrong buffeting winds for example. The structural foam in fact is sostrong that it may be used in other applications as a structuralbuilding material or a form of heavy-duty furniture.

Bee Stops and Vent Chimney Screens: To help prevent local insects andground animals, such as bees, wasps, flies, rodents, squirrels and thelike from finding shelter between the panel boards of the billboard 8and the structural frames 12 of a converted billboard 110, each retrofitkit 10 includes a plurality of bee stops, such as a bee stop 98 that isutilized to close off the electrical pass troughs on the end of thearray structural of a structural frame 12. Pass through notches uniquelyenable the vertical routing of data connections, which at the same time,in combination with the bee stops prevent the invasion of such flyinginsects into the cooling vents 91 and electrical conduit passageways.

Ease of Operating Latches: The structural frames and bay members areconfigured with mutual mechanical datum structures coupled with centralpower and data connectors that provide for effective and easyinstallation and release of the individual LED display modules 14relative to an associated bay member 16. That is, the module latches412, which help secure each display modules within its associate baymember 16, is made ready to be acted upon through strategically placedlatch access openings 17H disposed in each display module 14.

In combination then, the retrofit kit 10 enables a static billboard 8 tobe easily and quickly converted into a dynamic billboard 110 byassembling an array of structural bays 16 upon an existing standingpanel of the static billboard 8. Each bay member 16 in this arrangement,includes a power and data connector for coupling power and data to anindividual display module 14, a strategically placed alignment features,and a uniquely operable latching feature, which operate or cooperatewith a complementary set of display module 14 features including amodule data and power connector, a module alignment feature, and amodule latching feature for enabling a display module 14 to bemechanically and electrically coupled to a bay member 14 for dynamicallydisplaying sign information. Advantageously, each display module 14 isalso provided with a weatherized sealing design which protects theelectronics and completely eliminates the need for a rigorous weatherseal which would otherwise be needed between the module 14 and the baymember 16. In this regard, the otherwise needed rigorous weather seal iseliminated by a unique and novel perforated channel member which isfilled with a potting compound in order to weatherize and seal thedisplay module 14. Moreover, the weatherized modules protect the cablingfrom the degradation effects of ultra-violet sunlight.

Although the invention has been described in terms of exemplaryembodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claimsshould be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodimentsof the invention, which may be made by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention.

Other modifications and implementations will occur to those skilled inthe art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the inventionas claimed. Accordingly, the description hereinabove is not intended tolimit the invention, except as indicated in the following claims.

The following is a parts list for each of the component parts identifiedin the detailed specification and drawings:

-   -   8 a static non electronic billboard    -   9 a poster panel 9 of the static billboard 8    -   10 a self-contained in-field modification or retrofit kit 10    -   10A a plurality of structural frames 10A    -   10B a plurality of fully weatherized display modules 10B    -   10C a power modification kit 10C    -   10D a plurality of preformed wire harness assemblies 10D    -   12 a structural frame 12    -   14 a sealed display module 14    -   14AR an alignment receptacle of the display module 14    -   14CAR a center alignment receptacle of the display module 14    -   14L a left side display panel of module 14    -   14R a right side display panel of module 14    -   16 a structural bay member 16    -   16B a bottom row of structural bay members 16    -   16M a middle row of structural bay members    -   17L a left side louver 17L    -   17R a right side louver 17R    -   17H a latch access hole 17H    -   17V a louver visor 17V    -   18 a pixel arrangement 18 (256 pixels)    -   20 a daughter board    -   21 a daughter board printed circuit board 21    -   22 a daughter board dam 22    -   22E an edge feature of the daughter board dam 22    -   23 a daughter board thermal gap pad or brick 23    -   24 a daughter board heat sink 24    -   24F daughter board heat sink cooling fins 24F    -   26 a daughter board can (electronics) 26    -   27 a power data connector 27 (A Molex connector)    -   28LSPH a left side pin header 28LSPH    -   28RSPH a right side pin header 28RSPH    -   29E a greatly simplified diagram of the display panel        electronics 29E    -   29L a channel of 16 light emitting diode drivers    -   30 a structural frame array 30    -   31 a first column in a structural frame array    -   32 a second column in a structural frame array    -   33 a third column in a structural frame array    -   34 a fourth column in a structural frame array    -   35 a fifth column in a structural frame array    -   36 a sixth column in a structural frame array    -   37 a seventh column in a structural frame array    -   38 an eight column in a structural frame array    -   39 a ninth column in a structural frame array    -   40 a tenth column in a structural frame array    -   42 a set of paired wire guide securing structures    -   42A a perpendicularly extending hook    -   42B a perpendicularly extending hook    -   43 a set of plural wire guide securing structures    -   43A a perpendicularly extending hook    -   43B a perpendicularly extending hook    -   43C a perpendicular extending hook    -   46 a lockable junction box for a first power path    -   46C a conduit for power harness wires to junction box 46 to        power enclosure 48    -   47 a lockable junction box for a second power path    -   47C a conduit for power harness wires to junction box 47 to        power enclosure 48    -   48 a lockable power/data controller enclosure 48    -   48C a power conduit to the universal power source    -   50 an ambient light sensor arrangement 50    -   50C a conduit for ambient light sensor 50 to power enclosure 48    -   52C a conduit for universal power source    -   54C a conduit for data harness wires    -   60AR a structural bay alignment column structure or feature    -   60ARC a center structural bay alignment column structure of        feature    -   61 an intermediate frame bolt location feature    -   62 a center frame bolt location feature    -   63 an outside frame edge bolt location feature    -   64 a pilot hole feature    -   66 a horizontal visualization or cutting line guide feature    -   68 a vertical visualization or cutting line guide feature    -   69 a lanyard receiving hole    -   70 a left board dc power path 70    -   72 a right board dc power path 72    -   80 a left board data path 80    -   82 a right board data path 82    -   84 a side frame to side frame dovetail joint 84    -   86 a bottom frame to top frame dovetail joint 86    -   88 a chimney vent cover slot 88    -   90 a chimney vent cover 90    -   91 an air channel column, conduit or self-cooling air vent 91    -   92 a self-drilling screw or rivet 92    -   93 a mounting hole 93 for a self-drilling screw or rivet 92    -   93A a rivet nut    -   94 a set of alignment tabs 94    -   96 a set of alignment slots 96    -   97 a bee stop slot 97    -   98 a set of bee stops or plugs 98    -   110 a dynamic electronic billboard 110    -   112B a mounting bolt    -   112H a mounting bolt hole 112 to secure frame 12 to poster panel    -   112W a mounting bolt washer 114 for use with bolt 112B    -   112N a mounting bolt nut 112N for use with bolt 112B    -   114H a power access hole 114H, a two inch hole in frame 12    -   115H a power access hole 115H, a two inch hole in frame    -   116H a data access hole 116H, a two inch hole in frame 12    -   118 a rubber grommet 118    -   120 a power/data distribution system    -   201 a perforated channel LED frame 201 forming part of display        module 14    -   201F a front side of the LED frame 201    -   201B a back side of the LED frame 201    -   201FL a front left side of the LED frame 201    -   201FR a front right side of the LED frame 201    -   201BR a back right side of the LED frame 201    -   201BL a back left side of the LED frame 201    -   204 an alignment feature of the LED frame 201    -   206 a daughter board alignment feature forming part of frame 201    -   207 a daughter board alignment hole 207    -   208 a daughter board alignment hole 208    -   211 a left side 26 pin header slot or opening 211    -   212 a right side 26 pin header slot or opening 212    -   213 a plurality 213 of power data connector alignment pins    -   214 a dam receiving space or area 214    -   215 front side of display module 14    -   216 backside of display module 14    -   217 a center alignment feature of display module 14    -   218 a latch receiver of the display module 14    -   220 a latch access opening or cutaway area of the display module        14    -   224 a tool access opening or cutaway area of the display module        14    -   225R a red light generating LED 225R    -   225G a green light generating LED 225G    -   225B a blue light generating LED 225B    -   230 a plastic dam feature 230 on the backside of the LED frame        201    -   232 an elongate perforated potting channel    -   233 a centrally disposed LED frame dam 233    -   234 a plurality of perforations    -   250 an LED frame seating wall 250    -   251 a low wall portion of the LED frame wall    -   252 a high wall portion of the LED frame wall    -   304 an expanded bottom left side weight reduction cutout area    -   306 an expanded bottom right side weight reduction cutout area    -   307 a data connection wire routing feature 307    -   308 a left side data connection wire routing feature 308    -   309 a power/data harness wire routing feature 309    -   310 a right side data connection wire routing feature 310    -   311 a central wire routing feature 311    -   312 a top left weight reduction cutout area 312    -   313 a bottom left weight reduction cutout area 313    -   315 a top right weight reduction cutout area 315    -   316 a bottom right weigh reduction cutout area 316    -   317 a top middle right weight reduction cutout area 317    -   318 a bottom middle right weight reduction cutout area 318    -   319 a lateral rear inside wall area 319    -   320 a latch assembly mounting hole    -   321 a latch assembly mounting hole    -   322 an upper left side +Y latch receiving boss area    -   323 a upper center +Y latch receiving boss area    -   324 a lower left side −X latch receiving boss area    -   325 a lower center −Y latch receiving boss area    -   326 a lower right −Y latch receiving boss area    -   327 an upper right side +X latch receiving boss area    -   330 a centrally disposed daughter board receiving or cutout area    -   331 a first power/data node or over mold structure    -   332 a second power/data node or over mold structure    -   333 a third power/data node or over mold structure    -   334 a fourth power/data node or over mold structure    -   335 a fifth node power/data node or over mold structure    -   336 a sixth node power/data node or over mold structure    -   337 a seventh power/data node or over mold structure    -   338 an eighth node power/data node or over mold structure    -   339 a ninth power/data node or over mold structure    -   340 a tenth power/data node or over mold structure    -   350 an upper wire harness node receptacle feature    -   352 a lower wire harness node receptacle feature    -   412 a frame latch assembly    -   413 a frame latch screw member    -   414 a frame latch housing    -   416 a frame latch latching member    -   418 a frame latch tool receiving hole    -   419 a frame latch assembly mounting screw or rivet    -   420 a display module latch receiving receptacle (delete for        14LM)    -   508 a chalk outline grid    -   512T a top horizontal chalk line    -   512B a bottom horizontal chalk line    -   513 a left side chalk line to mark a starting corner    -   514 a horizontal center chalk line    -   516 a vertical center point chalk line    -   520 a bottom left corner of the grid    -   522 a corner to corner diagonal chalk line    -   524 a corner to corner diagonal chalk line    -   610 a left side printed circuit board 610 forming part of PCA        14L    -   612 a right side printed circuit board 612 forming part of PCA        14R    -   620 a LED mounting hole    -   621 a LED mounting hole    -   630 a printed circuit board mounting hole    -   632 a louver mounting hole    -   634 a latch access hole    -   635 a set of header pin mounting holes    -   637 indicia marking identify printed circuit association    -   712 structural bay display module wall receiving slot 712    -   1010 a method of retrofitting or assembling a billboard 1010    -   1014 a prepare site for installation step    -   1016 a decision step, is site prepared    -   1018 an install step, install structural frames and chimney vent        covers    -   1020 a decision step, are all structural frames installed    -   1022 an install step, install wire harnesses on structural        frames    -   1024 a decision step, are all harnesses installed    -   1026 an install step, install display modules    -   1028 a decision step, are all display modules installed    -   1030 a verify step, start up and verify system operation    -   1032 a decision step, is system operational    -   1034 a decision step, is preventive maintenance needed    -   1036 a cleaning step, clean all display modules    -   1038 a decision step, is preventive maintenance completed    -   1040 a decision step, is repair needed    -   1042 a repair step, repair as needed    -   1044 a decision step, is repair completed    -   1046 an end step, installation complete    -   1110 a method of retrofitting or assembling    -   1110A a factory assembly method 1110A    -   1110B a field installation assembly method 1110B    -   1210 a sectional sign assembly and installation kit 1210    -   1210A a factory assembly portion    -   1210B a field assembly portion    -   1212 a plurality of pre-wired sign section assembly units 1212    -   1214 a plurality of display modules 1214    -   1216 a power/distribution kit    -   1218 a plurality of DC/data satellite hubs 1218    -   1220 a central AC and data distribution kit portion 1220    -   1222 a hub mounting kit 1222    -   1224 a signage installation kit 1224    -   1310 a flat tabletop or bench top jig    -   1410 an existing sign support structure    -   1500 a wire harness assembly 1500    -   1500Aa first part of the wire harness assembly (a wire harness)        1500    -   1500B a second part of the wire harness assembly (hubs) 1500    -   1501 sign trim    -   1502 another sign trim    -   1503 lifting hooks or brackets    -   1505 hanger brackets    -   1507 hanger clips    -   1508 a fastener    -   1509 assembly support bracket 1509    -   1510 sign mounting hardware    -   1512 hanger brackets 1512    -   1514 hanger clips 1514    -   1516 hardware for lifting brackets 1516    -   1518 hardware for sign finishing trim 1518    -   1520 mounting bolts (with dry Loktite®)    -   1522 rivet nuts    -   1524 alignment guides    -   1602 a first or power junction end of the wire harness 1500    -   1710 a satellite DC/data satellite structural frame hub 1710    -   1712 chord grip    -   1714 hub hinge    -   1716 oversized conduit between satellite hub and compound        structural frame    -   1810 a central AC and data hub    -   1812 weatherproof conduit    -   2010 a site inspection process 2010    -   2014 a start step 2014 start inspection process 2010    -   2026 an inspect poster panel step 2026    -   2038 a determination step 2038, inspection completed    -   2040 a power inspection step 2040    -   2042 a determination step 2042, power verified    -   2044 an install step 2044, install a power converter    -   2050 a take physical inventory step for billboard power    -   2084 a go to step 2084, go to step 1016    -   2400H a power/data wiring harness 2400H    -   2400HUB a hub power/data wiring harness 2400HUB    -   2400HE wire end of a power/data wiring harness 2400H    -   2400HM Molex connector of a power/data wiring harness 2400H    -   2400DJC a data connector of the power/data wiring harness 2400H    -   2400J a data jumper cable assembly 2400J    -   2400JC a data jumper cable    -   2400J1 a data connector of data jumper cable 2400J    -   2400J2 a data connector of data jumper cable 2400J    -   2401 a first node or over mold locator    -   2401S a first connection sequence indicator 2401S    -   2402 a second node or over mold locator    -   2402S a second connection sequence indicator 2402S    -   2403 a third node or over mold locator    -   2403S a third connection sequence indicator 2403S    -   2404 a fourth node or over mold locator    -   2404S a fourth connection sequence indicator 2404S    -   2405 a fifth node or over mold locator    -   2405S a fifth connection sequence indicator 24053    -   2406 a sixth node or over mold locator    -   2400PS a power splice connection sequence indicator 2400PS    -   2406PS a power splice node or over mold locator    -   2407 a seventh node or over mold locator    -   2407S a seventh connection sequence indicator 2407S    -   2408 a eighth node or over mold locator    -   2408S an eighth connection sequence indicator 2408S    -   2409 a ninth node or over mold locator    -   2409S a ninth connection sequence indicator 2409S    -   2410 a tenth node or over mold locator    -   2410S a tenth connection sequence indicator 2410S    -   3010 a structural frame installation process 3010    -   3014 a start step 3014, start structural frame installation        process    -   3018 a grid layout step 3018    -   3024 an verify grid layout step 3024    -   3034 an orient structural frames step 3034    -   3040 a parts verification step 3040    -   3054 an install chimney vent covers step 3054    -   3066 an align and install structural frames step 3066    -   3068 a verification step, all frames are properly secured    -   3069 an install bee stop plugs step    -   3070 a go to step 3070, continue installation process    -   4010 an install wire harness process    -   4014 a start step for the install wire harness installation        process 4010    -   4018 a drill power access holes step 4018    -   4020 a drill data access hole step 4020    -   4022 a drill centered holes step    -   4032 an install rubber grommets step    -   4044 an install wire harnesses step    -   4047 an install data jumper cable step    -   4048 an install data connection cable step    -   4050 an install junction boxes step    -   4056 an attach hanger bracket step    -   4060 an install power data controller step    -   4062 an attach step    -   4064 an install light sensor arrangement step    -   [4066 a measure conduit run step    -   4068 an install conduit run step    -   4070 a pull and connect wire step    -   4072 a startup main power step    -   4080 an end wire harness installation process step    -   4310 a start step 4310    -   4312 a cutting operation step 4312    -   4314 an install step 4314    -   4316 another install step 4316    -   4318 another operation step 4318    -   4320 a cutting step 4320    -   4322 an action step 4322    -   4324 another action step 4324    -   4330 an action step 4330    -   4332 another action step 4332    -   4334 a punch out and install step 4334    -   4336 an action/install step 4336    -   4337 an assemble step 4337    -   4338 a prepare step 4338    -   4339 an affix step 4339    -   4340 an affix step 4340    -   4342 another affix step 4342    -   4348 a marking step 4348    -   4350 an install step 4350    -   4352 an affix step 4352    -   4354 a chimney install step 4354    -   4356 an install bee stop step 4356    -   4358 an arrangement step 4358    -   4360 an alignment step 4360    -   4362 an install step 4362    -   4364 an install wire harness step 4364    -   4370 a prepare for shipping step 4370    -   4372 a box and palletize step 4372    -   4373 a final preparation step 4373    -   4374 a go to installation site step 4374    -   4410 an arrive at installation site from step 4410    -   4412 a delivery step 4412    -   4414 a preparation step 4414    -   4416 a replacement step 4416    -   4418 a mounting step 4418    -   4419 a populate step 4419    -   4420 a lifting step 4420    -   4422 a hanging step 4422    -   4428 another hanging step 4428    -   4430 a disconnect step 4430    -   4432 another attachment step 4432    -   4434 a readying or access step 4434    -   4436 another attachment step 4436    -   4438 another attachment step 4438    -   4444 an install step 4444    -   4446 another attachment step 4446    -   4448 a determination at a decision step 4448    -   4450 a trim affix step 4450    -   4460 a replacement step 4460    -   4462 an install step 4462    -   4464 a terminate step 4464    -   4466 a decision step 4466    -   4468 another install step 4468    -   4470 a run or pull wiring step 4470    -   4476 another installation step 4476    -   4478 a verification step 4478    -   4480 a power on step 4480    -   4482 an end step 4482    -   5010 an install LED tile or display module process    -   5014 a start process step    -   5020 an unlatch step; unlatch all latches in the structural bays    -   5030 a verify all latches are unlatched    -   5040 an install first display module step    -   5050 an end step; ending the install display module process    -   6010 a display module manufacturing process    -   6012 a start assembly process    -   6021 a fabricate printed circuit board assembly step    -   6032 an assembly step 6032, assemble PCA units to frame    -   6036 an assembly step 6036, assemble daughter board to frame    -   6040 a form thermal interface step 6040    -   6048 an attach heat sink step 6048    -   6050 a test partially assembled display module step 6050    -   6060 a solder step, solder header pins step 6060    -   6070 a dispense and cure step, dispense adhesive potting        compound    -   6080 an attach louvers step 6080    -   6082 an end or stop manufacturing display module step 6082    -   8010 an electronic sign or billboard 8010    -   8010A a small half poster height board sign 8010A    -   8010B a medium half poster height board sign 8010B    -   8010C a poster height board sign 80100    -   8010D a junior bulletin board sign 8010D    -   8012 a planar structural support member 8012    -   8013 another planar structural support member 8013    -   8014 a vertical structural support member bolt 8014    -   8015 a wooden support member or wood blocking 8015    -   8016 a rivet nut    -   8017 a horizontal support member    -   8018 a horizontal support member bolt    -   8019 a horizontal support member nut    -   8019E a super bulletin board sign 8010E    -   8110 a rear access electronic sign or billboard    -   8210 another rear access electronic sign or billboard    -   9010 a pre-wired sign section assembly 9010    -   9010C a center sign section assembly 9010C    -   9010L a left most sign section assembly 9010D    -   9010R a right most sign section assembly 9010R    -   9012 a rear access structural frame 9012    -   9013 a front-facing portion 9013    -   9015 a rear-facing portion 9015    -   9016 a front loading structural bay member 9016    -   9017 sheathing without access door 9017    -   9018 zipper tie for cable harness    -   9019 a flat sheet of sheathing 9019    -   9020 a horizontal direction line 9020    -   9021 a vertical direction line 9021    -   9022 a plurality of vertical support members 9022    -   9023 a rolled sheathing section 9023    -   9024 a plurality of support member bolts with Loktite® coating        9024    -   9026 a plurality of structural frames 9026    -   9028 a plurality of sheathing members    -   9030 a two-dimensional array of bay members 9030    -   9032 component parts for assembly of power distribution kit 1212    -   9034 component parts for assembly of display modules    -   9036 component parts for assembly of signage installation kit    -   9050 ac power source    -   9052 data source    -   9064 pilot hole feature    -   9092 front face only assembly hardware    -   9093 hole for front face only assembly hardware    -   9095 structural frame opening or cutout 9095    -   9096 a female dovetail receptacle    -   9097 structural frame opening or cutout 9097    -   9110 a pre-wired sign section assembly    -   9112 a rear accessible structural frame    -   9113 a front-facing portion 9113    -   9115 a rear-facing portion 9115    -   9116 a rear loading structural bay member 9116    -   9117 sheathing with access door 9117    -   9118 a access door 9118    -   9130 a two dimensional array of bay members 9130    -   9150 a wire harness 9150    -   9163 a display module alignment feature    -   9192 a mounting hole feature    -   9194 a male dovetail member    -   9196 a female dovetail receptacle    -   9307 wire routing feature    -   9308 wire routing feature    -   9309 wire routing feature    -   9310 wire routing feature    -   9312 cut out area    -   9313 cut out area    -   9315 cut out area    -   9316 cut out area    -   9318 cut out area    -   9322 latch boss area    -   9323 latch boss area    -   9324 latch boss area    -   9325 latch boss area    -   9326 latch boss area    -   9327 latch boss area    -   9350 a wiring alignment node receptacle    -   9352 a wiring introduction node receptacle    -   9362 cut out area    -   9363 display module removal keyhole cutout area    -   9364 cut out area.

We claim:
 1. An electronic sign comprising: a plurality of displaymodules; a plurality of sign sections each having a front-facing portionand a rear-facing portion, the front facing portion defining a twodimensional array of bays arranged in a plurality of rows along avertical direction and a plurality of columns along a horizontaldirection, each bay configured to receive one of the display modules,the rear-facing portion for coupling to an existing signage mountingstructure; and a plurality of power routing systems, each power routingsystem having a power input for coupling to a power source and aplurality of power extensions, each power extension for coupling thepower source to one of the plurality of display modules.
 2. Theelectronic sign according to claim 1 wherein the array of bays is twobays wide and includes at least five rows of bays.
 3. The electronicsign according to claim 2 wherein the array of bays includes at least 10rows of bays.
 4. The electronic sign according to claim 1 wherein eachrear-facing portion is a mounting structure and each front facingportion includes a compound structural frame mounted to the existingsignage mounting structure.
 5. The electronic sign according to claim 4wherein the front facing portion includes two adjacent compoundstructural frames mounted along the vertical direction.
 6. Theelectronic sign according to claim 1 wherein each sign section defines aplurality of openings, each opening having a sufficient width dimensionand a sufficient height dimension to couple one bay to a rear surface ofthe sign section enabling a display module to be removed and replacedfrom a bay through the opening.
 7. The electronic sign according toclaim 1 wherein each power routing system includes a hub mounted to therear-facing portion, and wherein each power extension has one endcoupled to the hub and another end disposed within a bay configured tobe coupled to one of the display modules.
 8. The electronic signaccording to claim 7 wherein each hub is configured to receive AC powerfrom the power source, rectifies the AC power, and delivers DC power tothe bay.
 9. The electronic sign according to claim 1, wherein each powerrouting system includes a wiring harness; wherein the power input is anend of the harness that couples to a DC power source; wherein the wiringharness includes a plurality of nodes; and wherein each power extensionextends from an individual one of said plurality of nodes to a poweroutput end disposed in a bay for coupling to one of the display modules.10. The electronic sign according to claim 1, wherein each individualone of said plurality of display modules is a weatherized displaymodule.
 11. An electronic sign comprising: a plurality of displaymodules; a plurality of sign sections each having a front portion and arear portion, the front portion defining at least two vertical columnsof bays that span and define a height of the sign, each bay configuredto receive one of the display modules, the rear portion configured to becoupled to a beam surface of the existing signage structure to allowmost of a rear surface of the rear portion to be exposed for servicing;and a plurality of power routing systems each including at least onenode associated with each sign section with a plurality of individualpower extensions each extending from one node to one of the bays. 12.The electronic sign according to claim 11, wherein the front portiondefines two columns of bays.
 13. The electronic sign according to claim11, wherein each rear-facing portion is a mounting structure and eachfront facing portion includes a compound structural frame coupled to themounting structure.
 14. The electronic sign according to claim 11,wherein the front portion and the rear portion collectively define aplurality of openings that each couple a rear surface of the rearportion to each one of the bays whereby at least some of the displaymodules installed in the array of bays can each be removed and replacedthrough one of the openings thereby enabling rear side servicing. 15.The electronic sign according to claim 14, further comprising: aplurality of access doors, wherein each individual access door isconfigured to cover an individual one of said plurality of openings. 16.The electronic sign according to claim 15, further comprising: aplurality of latches in each bay configured to affix each display moduleto an individual bay in the array of bays, the latches configured to beactuated by a particular tool inserted through either a front portion ofthe display module or the rear portion; and wherein each individualaccess door is configured to be opened using said particular tool. 17.The electronic sign according to claim 11, wherein each individual oneof said plurality of display modules is a weatherized display module.18. An electronic sign comprising: a plurality of display modules; asign section assembly having a front portion and a rear portion; saidfront portion defining a two dimensional array of bays that span theheight of the electronic sign and a portion of the width of theelectronic sign whereby a plurality of sign section assemblies arerequired to fully form the electronic sign; said rear portion configuredto be coupled to a beam surface of an existing signage mountingstructure to allow most of a rear surface of the rear portion to beexposed for servicing individual ones of the plurality of displaymodules; wherein for at least some of the array of bays each bay definesa passageway opening to the rear surface to enable a display moduleremovably supported within the bay to be removed and replaced throughthe passageway opening; and a plurality of power routing systems eachincluding at least one node associated with each sign section assemblywith a plurality of individual power extensions each extending from onenode to one of the bays.
 19. The electronic sign according to accordingto claim 18, wherein the front portion and the rear portion of said signsection assembly are integral.
 20. The electronic sign according toaccording to claim 18, wherein each display module is a weatherizeddisplay module.